Apache AGE Visualization with Graphlytic

Apache AGE (A Graph Extension) brings property graph capabilities directly into PostgreSQL. Teams that already run PostgreSQL for relational workloads can add graph queries — using Cypher — without migrating data to a separate graph database. AGE adds a native graph model and Cypher language support as a PostgreSQL extension, making it possible to query both relational and graph data from the same database system.

This approach is appealing for organizations that want to model connected data without the operational overhead of running a dedicated graph database. The challenge is exploration: Cypher queries are more accessible than many graph query languages, but analysts and investigators still benefit from a visual interface when navigating complex relationship structures. Graphlytic provides that interface by connecting directly to Apache AGE and rendering graph data visually.

How Graphlytic connects to Apache AGE

Graphlytic connects to Apache AGE using a standard PostgreSQL connection — host, port (default 5432), database name, username, and password. Unlike the Bolt or Gremlin connectors used for Neo4j or JanusGraph, this is a plain PostgreSQL connection, so it works with any PostgreSQL client library and respects existing firewall rules and network access controls.

Within the PostgreSQL connection, you specify the AGE graph name — the identifier you used when creating the graph with SELECT create_graph('my_graph'). Graphlytic uses this to scope all Cypher queries to the correct graph within the database. A single PostgreSQL database can contain multiple AGE graphs; Graphlytic lets you configure separate connections for each.

Because AGE runs inside PostgreSQL, it inherits PostgreSQL's mature authentication, TLS support, and role-based access control. Graphlytic respects these — users authenticate through PostgreSQL credentials and see only the data their PostgreSQL role permits.

Why visualize Apache AGE data with Graphlytic

Graph exploration without Cypher expertise

While Cypher is more readable than many graph languages, most analysts still prefer to explore data visually. Graphlytic lets users expand node neighborhoods by clicking, filter by vertex or edge properties, and navigate multi-hop paths — without writing a single query. Data engineers can write and save parameterized Cypher templates that analysts execute through a simple form interface.

Bridge between relational and graph thinking

Teams migrating from relational to graph data models benefit from visual feedback during the transition. Graphlytic shows how entities relate to each other in graph form, making it easier to validate that the graph model correctly captures real-world relationships and to communicate graph structure to stakeholders who think in table terms.

No additional infrastructure

Since AGE runs inside your existing PostgreSQL instance, there is no additional database to provision or maintain. Graphlytic adds a visual layer without changing your infrastructure footprint — a significant advantage for teams with strict operational constraints or limited platform budgets.

Visual styling and layout

Vertex appearance (color, size, label) can be driven by property values stored in AGE. Multiple layout algorithms — force-directed, hierarchical, circular — help surface structure in different types of graphs. Graphlytic also supports geo map layout when vertices carry coordinate properties.

Use cases with Apache AGE and Graphlytic

• Compliance and regulatory investigations — model and explore corporate structures, beneficial ownership chains, and related-party relationships stored alongside relational compliance data in PostgreSQL
• Code dependency analysis — graph software module dependencies stored in AGE and visualize refactoring impact. See code refactoring use case.
• Identity and access graphs — map users, groups, roles, and permissions in a graph model that captures the actual access structure rather than flat permission tables
• Network and infrastructure mapping — model infrastructure components and their dependencies within the same PostgreSQL instance that stores operational data
• Knowledge management — store and visualize concept maps, taxonomies, or entity relationships alongside structured relational data

Advantages of Graphlytic with Apache AGE

• Reuses existing PostgreSQL infrastructure — no new database to provision or operate
• Inherits PostgreSQL security model — authentication, TLS, and RBAC work the same way as for relational data
• Cypher-based queries — consistent with Neo4j Cypher, so teams familiar with Neo4j can transfer skills
• Combined relational and graph queries — AGE's hybrid query support enables traversals that mix SQL joins and Cypher pattern matching
• Open source — AGE is an Apache project with an active community and no licensing costs

See the Graph Connections documentation for Apache AGE connection configuration details.