Unlocking DAGs in Neo4j: From Basics to Critical Path Analysis

Neo4j has introduced two new DAG algorithms, Longest Path and Topological Sort, as part of its Graph Data Science library. Directed Acyclic Graphs (DAGs) are useful in various applications such as supply chain management, project scheduling, causal structures, citation graphs, microprocessors, and dependency management. A Gantt chart's critical path analysis can be performed using Neo4j's gds.dag.longestPath algorithm to identify the longest sequence of tasks that must be completed on time for a project to stay on schedule. The algorithm has been tested with a synthetic dataset containing 10,000 tasks and 5 million dependencies, showcasing its scalability. A benchmark comparison between the GDS algorithm and an equivalent Cypher query demonstrated the efficiency and robustness of Neo4j's specialized algorithms in handling complex graph operations.