querying-soql: Salesforce SOQL Query Expert
Use this skill when the user needs SOQL/SOSL authoring or optimization: natural-language-to-query generation, relationship queries, aggregates, query-plan analysis, and performance/safety improvements for Salesforce queries.
When This Skill Owns the Task
Use querying-soql when the work involves:
.soqlfiles- query generation from natural language
- relationship queries and aggregate queries
- query optimization and selectivity analysis
- SOQL/SOSL syntax and governor-aware design
Delegate elsewhere when the user is:
- performing bulk data operations → handling-sf-data
- embedding query logic inside broader Apex implementation → generating-apex
- debugging via logs rather than query shape → debugging-apex-logs
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Required Context to Gather First
Ask for or infer:
- target object(s)
- fields needed
- filter criteria
- sort / limit requirements
- whether the query is for display, automation, reporting-like analysis, or Apex usage
- whether performance / selectivity is already a concern
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Recommended Workflow
1. Generate the simplest correct query
Prefer:
- only needed fields
- clear WHERE criteria
- reasonable LIMIT when appropriate
- relationship depth only as deep as necessary
2. Choose the right query shape
| Need | Default pattern |
|---|---|
| parent data from child | child-to-parent traversal |
| child rows from parent | subquery |
| counts / rollups | aggregate query |
| records with / without related rows | semi-join / anti-join |
| text search across objects | SOSL |
3. Optimize for selectivity and safety
Check:
- indexed / selective filters
- no unnecessary fields
- no avoidable wildcard or scan-heavy patterns
- security enforcement expectations
4. Validate execution path if needed
If the user wants runtime verification, hand off execution to:
- handling-sf-data
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High-Signal Rules
- never use
SELECT *style thinking; query only required fields - do not query inside loops in Apex contexts
- prefer filtering in SOQL rather than post-filtering in Apex
- use aggregates for counts and grouped summaries instead of loading unnecessary records
- evaluate wildcard usage carefully; leading wildcards often defeat indexes
- account for security mode / field access requirements when queries move into Apex
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Output Format
When finishing, report in this order:
- Query purpose
- Final SOQL/SOSL
- Why this shape was chosen
- Optimization or security notes
- Execution suggestion if needed
Suggested shape — use references/soql-syntax-reference.md for exact syntax:
Query goal: <summary>
Query: <soql or sosl>
Design: <relationship / aggregate / filter choices>
Notes: <selectivity, limits, security, governor awareness>
Next step: <run in handling-sf-data or embed in Apex>---
Cross-Skill Integration
| Need | Delegate to | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| run the query against an org | handling-sf-data | execution and export |
| embed the query in services/selectors | generating-apex | implementation context |
| analyze slow-query symptoms from logs | debugging-apex-logs | runtime evidence |
| wire query-backed UI | generating-lwc-components | frontend integration |
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Score Guide
| Score | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 90+ | production-optimized query |
| 80–89 | good query with minor improvements possible |
| 70–79 | functional but performance concerns remain |
| < 70 | needs revision before production use |
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Reference File Index
| File | When to read |
|---|---|
references/soql-syntax-reference.md | Syntax, operators, date literals, relationship query patterns |
references/query-optimization.md | Selectivity rules, indexing strategy, governor limits, security patterns |
references/soql-reference.md | Quick reference — operators, date functions, aggregate functions, WITH clauses |
references/anti-patterns.md | Common SOQL mistakes and their fixes — read before finalizing any query |
references/selector-patterns.md | Apex selector layer patterns — read when embedding queries in Apex classes |
references/field-coverage-rules.md | Field coverage validation — read when generating SOQL used inside Apex code |
references/cli-commands.md | sf CLI query execution, bulk export, query plan commands |
assets/basic-queries.soql | Starter query examples for common objects |
assets/relationship-queries.soql | Parent-to-child and child-to-parent relationship query patterns |
assets/aggregate-queries.soql | COUNT, SUM, GROUP BY, ROLLUP query patterns |
assets/optimization-patterns.soql | Selective filter and index-aware query patterns |
assets/bulkified-query-pattern.cls | Apex Map-based bulk query pattern for trigger contexts |
assets/selector-class.cls | Full selector class implementation template |
scripts/post-tool-validate.py | Post-write hook — runs static SOQL validation and live query plan analysis after .soql file edits |
