cypher

Cypher may refer to multiple concepts in computing and cryptography. The term is commonly associated with the Cypher query language used by the Neo4j graph database and, more generally, with the practice of encryption in cryptography.

Cypher (graph query language)

Cypher is a declarative query language for property graph databases. It enables users to describe patterns of nodes and relationships and to manipulate graph data with readable syntax. The language uses clauses such as MATCH to specify patterns, WHERE to filter results, RETURN to produce output, and CREATE or MERGE to modify data. Cypher originated with Neo4j and has been developed as an open standard through the OpenCypher project, which aims to broaden interoperability across graph systems. Its graph-centric approach emphasizes pattern matching and traversals, making it well suited for querying complex networks, path exploration, and analytics. Practical usage includes retrieving connected data, performing updates within a single query, and integrating with applications that model data as graphs.

Cypher (cryptography)

In cryptography, a cipher (often spelled cypher in some varieties) is an algorithm for transforming plaintext into ciphertext using a key. The term distinguishes the procedure from the plaintext and the ciphertext themselves. Ciphers can be symmetric, where the same key encrypts and decrypts, or asymmetric, with different keys for encryption and decryption. Historical examples include substitution and transposition ciphers; modern practice relies on algorithms such as AES or ChaCha20 with standardized modes of operation to ensure confidentiality and integrity. Ciphers are evaluated for security properties such as key length, resistance to cryptanalytic attacks, and correct implementation to avoid weaknesses.