Introduction

GQL (Graph Query Language) is a database language designed for modeling, querying and modifying data in graph database.

As the first standardized database language since SQL's introduction in 1987, GQL marks a major milestone in data management. The first version of the GQL standard was officially released by the ISO/IEC in April 2024. See Ultipa's GQL Conformance.

To get started with GQL, check out our Quick Start. You can also explore and practice GQL for free in our GQL Playground.

GQL Execution Context

While administrative GQL statements affect the database overall, most GQL queries apply to a specific graph in the database. A database may contain multiple graphs, and you need to explicitly select the graph before executing a GQL query.

Transactions and ACID Compliance

Ultipa is ACID compliant, which means:

• Atomicity: Each transaction is executed as a single unit of work. Either all its operations succeed, or none do.
• Consistency: A transaction must bring the database from one valid state to another.
• Isolation: Multiple transactions executing simultaneously must not affect one another.
• Durability: Once a transaction is committed, its results are permanently recorded and remain intact even in the event of a system failure.