A line needs a definition
A useful graph relationship says something precise: an order belongs to an account, a service consumes an event, or a decision cites a review. Define that meaning before creating an edge type.
The direction matters. Following a service’s dependencies answers a different question from finding the services that depend on it. Choose names and query paths that make the distinction clear to a reader.
Use stable entity identities
A display name is often not a durable identity. Two records can share a name, and the same record can be renamed. Keep the graph entity connected to a stable source identifier.
When records from several tables represent the same concept, decide how the application will reconcile them. An explicit identity policy is easier to maintain than silently merging similar names during retrieval.
Define when edges change
Relationships have lifecycles. Ownership can move, contracts can be superseded, and dependencies can be removed. Decide which source event updates or retires the edge.
Keep provenance where the application needs it. If a relationship is challenged, an engineer should be able to inspect the record or process that established it rather than guessing from the current graph visualization.
Begin with one path
Write one concrete question and the path that should answer it. For a release review, that may be changed contract to consumer to owner. Test it against a small set of known records.
Expand the model when a new application question requires another relationship. This keeps the graph tied to useful retrieval and makes it easier to explain capacity growth, updates, and the meaning of the returned context.
Explore the next step
Continue with the platform guide. For the current setup and API contract, use the Polygres documentation.