Support multi-label nodes: Method as :Function:Method

[octo-youcef]

User Outcome

A user can write queries that work seamlessly across both functions and methods without duplicating query logic, while still being able to filter specifically for methods when needed.

Background

Currently, methods are labeled only as :Method, separate from :Function. This requires duplicating queries when you want to query "all callable code" (both functions and methods).

Neo4j supports multi-label nodes (e.g., :Function:Method), which is idiomatic and provides query flexibility.

Proposal

Label methods with both :Function and :Method:

• Query MATCH (f:Function) gets all functions AND methods
• Query MATCH (f:Function:Method) gets only methods
• Query MATCH (f:Function) WHERE NOT f:Method gets only standalone functions

Benefits

• Eliminates query duplication: WHERE (f:Function OR f:Method)
• Semantically accurate: methods ARE functions with class context
• Consistent with :Function:External pattern from Improve property storage: Replace string serialization with structured data #30
• Enables simpler code quality rules

Implementation

1. Update graph_loader to create nodes with both labels: [:Function:Method]
2. Update queries in documentation to leverage multi-label pattern
3. Maintain backwards compatibility temporarily (keep existing :Method queries working)
4. Update schema documentation

Related

• Part of broader multi-label strategy discussed in Improve property storage: Replace string serialization with structured data #30
• See also: Fix Neo4j id() deprecation warnings (v0.5.1) #44 (multi-label class types), Add user journey: Analyzing and Querying Code in Neo4j (v0.5.2) #45 (async functions), Add Cypher Query Cookbook for code analysis (v0.5.3) #46 (property methods)

Acceptance Criteria

• Methods created with both :Function and :Method labels
• Query MATCH (f:Function) returns both functions and methods
• Query MATCH (f:Method) still works (backwards compatible)
• Schema documentation updated
• User journey examples updated to show multi-label benefits