Kusto Graph Semantics have always been a powerful tool for representing and analyzing complex data structures. With the recent release, we are pleased to introduce a suite of enhancements designed to simplify and enrich your data analysis experience. In this blog post, we delve into the new features including the star pattern, default node id, graph-shortest-path, and graph-mark-components.

The Star Pattern

One of the most exciting additions is the "star pattern," which allows users to express nonlinear patterns using multiple comma-delimited sequences. This feature is particularly useful for describing connections where different sequences share one or more variable names of a node. For instance, consider a scenario where a node 'n' is at the center of a star, connected to nodes a, b, c, and d. The following pattern can be used:

(a)--(n)--(b),(c)--(n)--(d).

This feature in now generally available (Learn more).

Defining the Default Node ID

Creating a graph from a tabular expression of edges has never been easier with the new approach for defining the default node id. This feature ensures that the node identifier is readily available for the constraints section of the subsequent graph-match operator. By setting a default node id, you streamline the process of graph creation and enhance the precision of your data queries.

This feature is now generally available (Learn more).

Graph-Shortest-Path

Finding the shortest path between nodes is a fundamental operation in graph analysis, and the graph-shortest-path operator makes this task more efficient than ever. This operator identifies the shortest paths between a set of source nodes and a set of target nodes within a graph, returning a table with the results. Whether you're navigating social networks, optimizing logistical routes, or exploring intricate data relationships, this feature is indispensable for uncovering the most direct connections.

This feature is now in public preview (Learn more).

Graph-Mark-Components

The graph-mark-components operator is designed to find all connected components of a graph and mark each node with a unique component identifier. This feature is crucial for identifying and distinguishing different clusters within your data. By marking each node with a component identifier, you can easily analyse the structure and connectivity of your graph, leading to deeper insights and more informed decisions.

This feature is now in public preview (Learn more).

Conclusion

The latest graph features offer robust tools for enhancing your data analysis capabilities. From the intuitive star pattern to the precise definition of default node ids, and from the efficiency of graph-shortest-path to the clarity of graph-mark-components, these enhancements empower you to delve deeper into your graphs and extract meaningful insights. Embrace these new features and unlock the full potential of your data with ease and precision.

Stay tuned for more updates and tutorials on how to leverage these powerful graph features to their fullest extent.