Most of the things that graph databases can do can also be achieved using a relational database. However, a graph database can make it easier to express certain kinds of queries. In addition to this, they may perform better. You should consider using graph database capabilities when your applications:

• Use hierarchical data
• Have to manage complex many-to-many relationships
• Analyze highly related data and relationships
• Use intensively nested data

Graph databases have been in existence for a few years. The actual SQL: 2016 standard does not define graph databases. However, several years ago, different vendors started to deliver database solutions with graph capabilities. In the following section, you will see a short overview of actual graph databases on the market.