CREATE stores a described graph pattern in Neo4j: nodes use parentheses, relationships use square brackets, and labels and properties can be specified inside the pattern. Cypher clauses are conventionally written in uppercase for readability. section 3.1.1 section 3.4
Create and return a node
CREATE (p:Person{name:'Frodo'}) RETURN p The CREATE clause stores a Person node with a name property. RETURN retrieves the variable for inspection or visualization in Neo4j Browser. Running the CREATE statement again creates another node because CREATE does not check for matching existing data. section 3.1.1
A single CREATE statement can store several nodes and their relationships. Relationships require adjacent nodes and are stored as directed; an undirected-looking pattern fails when used for creation. Empty unlabeled nodes are possible, but labeled nodes are recommended. section 3.4
Use CREATE when the input is trusted and new patterns should be inserted directly. For imports or repeated operations where duplicates are possible, use MATCH with MERGE instead; MERGE ensures that the specified pattern exists and supports idempotent imports. section 3.2.5 section 3.4
