Graph databases represent a significant departure from relational and NoSQL models, but this shift is inherently worthwhile. Graph Databases For Dummies, Neo4j Special Edition aims to introduce the basics of graph databases, providing practical advice for getting started quickly and confidently without delving into complex mathematics or coding. This book focuses on the fundamental building blocks of graph databases, including nodes, relationships, and properties, which support sophisticated, semantically rich queries at scale. Graphs are general-purpose data technology that can be used across various domains, offering benefits such as superior querying of complex models, ease of development, and flexibility in modeling data structures. The labeled property graph model is the most widely used graph database model, with specific naming conventions for nodes, relationships, and properties. Understanding who uses graph databases and why is crucial, as they are suitable for domains where data is connected, such as healthcare, finance, energy, or disaster response. Graphs bring several benefits across the system's life cycle, including high-performance querying, ease of development, and flexibility in modeling data structures. By embracing graph databases, developers can simplify their data models, reduce complexity, and create highly expressive and understandable data models that are highly performant.