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Apache AGE vs Alopex DB

Apache AGE, the PostgreSQL graph extension: openCypher, the cypher function, and supported versions. Also explains how it differs from Alopex DB.

Updated: Oct 12, 2026

What Apache AGE is

Apache AGE is a PostgreSQL extension that adds graph database features. It handles relational and graph data in one storage and is queried with SQL and openCypher.

How it works

  • cypher function: openCypher queries are passed to the cypher() function in ag_catalog. It returns a set of PostgreSQL records, and the columns are defined with AS (...).
  • Multiple graphs: one query can span multiple graphs.
  • Indexes: properties on vertices and edges can be indexed.

Main features

SQL and openCypher can be combined, and all PostgreSQL features remain available.

Limits

  • LOAD 'age' must be run for every connection.
  • cypher() cannot be used as part of an expression; use a subquery instead.
  • Releases are split by PostgreSQL major version. The stable release for PostgreSQL 18 is 1.7.0, and for 15 to 17 it is 1.6.0.
  • Only PostgreSQL 11 to 18 is supported; other versions require installing a supported one.

How it differs from Alopex DB

Both handle data models beyond tables inside a SQL database.

Alopex DB is an embedded database with tables, KV, vectors, full-text search, and columnar tables in the core. Data lives in a single .alopex file.

Alopex DB handles relational data and vectors in one engine. Run it and see; begin with the quickstart.

References