As data becomes increasingly complex and interconnected, traditional relational databases often struggle to represent and query relationships efficiently. To address this, SAP HANA provides native graph processing capabilities that allow developers and analysts to model and explore networks of data such as social networks, supply chains, fraud detection systems, and transportation routes.
This article explores how to create and manage graph data models in SAP HANA, focusing on concepts, tools, and best practices.
A graph data model represents data as nodes (vertices) and edges (relationships or connections). Unlike traditional relational models, graphs are optimized for analyzing how entities are connected.
Example Use Cases:
SAP HANA’s graph engine is embedded within the in-memory database and provides:
To create a graph model in SAP HANA, you need two tables:
Vertex Table – Represents entities (e.g., people, locations).
Edge Table – Represents relationships between vertices.
Must include:
Example:
-- Vertex table
CREATE COLUMN TABLE "VERTICES" (
"ID" INTEGER PRIMARY KEY,
"NAME" NVARCHAR(100)
);
-- Edge table
CREATE COLUMN TABLE "EDGES" (
"EDGE_ID" INTEGER PRIMARY KEY,
"SOURCE_ID" INTEGER,
"TARGET_ID" INTEGER,
"RELATIONSHIP" NVARCHAR(50)
);
A Graph Workspace is a metadata object that defines how vertex and edge tables relate to each other.
CREATE GRAPH WORKSPACE "SOCIAL_GRAPH"
EDGE TABLE "EDGES"
SOURCE COLUMN "SOURCE_ID"
TARGET COLUMN "TARGET_ID"
VERTEX TABLE "VERTICES"
KEY COLUMN "ID";
You can also create the workspace using SAP HANA Database Explorer or SAP Web IDE using graphical tools.
SAP HANA supports pattern-matching queries using the SQL-based GRAPH syntax.
Example: Find all direct connections of a node.
SELECT *
FROM GRAPH_MATCH (
GRAPH "SOCIAL_GRAPH"
START v1 = VERTICES WHERE v1.ID = 1
CONNECT v1 TO v2
END
) AS T;
SAP HANA offers several built-in functions:
Example: Shortest path between two nodes.
SELECT *
FROM GRAPH_SHORTEST_PATH (
GRAPH "SOCIAL_GRAPH",
START_VERTEX 1,
END_VERTEX 5
);
The Graph Viewer in SAP HANA Database Explorer or SAP Business Application Studio allows users to visually inspect graph structures and relationships, making it easier to understand complex interconnections.
In a supply chain network:
With SAP HANA graph features, you can:
SAP HANA’s native graph processing capabilities provide a powerful way to model and analyze complex relationships within data. Whether you're optimizing routes, detecting fraud, or mapping out social networks, graph data models in SAP HANA make it possible to gain deeper, more meaningful insights from your data. With support for SQL-based graph queries, visual tools, and advanced analytics, SAP HANA empowers developers to build intelligent, relationship-aware applications.