US Patent 10019536 Snapshot-consistent, in-memory graph instances in a multi-user database

Techniques for storing and processing graph data in a database system are provided. Graph data (or a portion thereof) that is stored in persistent storage is loaded into memory to generate an instance of a particular graph. The instance is consistent as of a particular point in time. Graph analysis operations are performed on the instance. The instance may be used by multiple users to perform graph analysis operations. Subsequent changes to the graph are stored separate from the instance. Later, the changes may be applied to the instance (or a copy thereof) to refresh the instance.