SQL Migration Guide
This guide helps developers familiar with relational databases understand how to model and query data in Fluree's graph model.
Conceptual Mapping
| SQL Concept | Fluree Equivalent |
|---|---|
| Table | Class/Type |
| Row | Entity (node) |
| Column | Property |
| Primary Key | Entity ID (@id) |
| Foreign Key | Relationship (reference) |
| JOIN | Graph traversal |
| Schema | Ontology |
Key Differences
- No fixed schema: Properties can be added to any entity
- Relationships are first-class: No join tables needed
- Multi-valued properties: An entity can have multiple values for a property
- Semantic types: Properties carry meaning via ontologies
When to Migrate
Consider Fluree when you need:
- Complex relationships (many-to-many, hierarchies)
- Flexible schemas that evolve
- Built-in versioning and audit trails
- Semantic data integration