querying-soql
SOQL query generation, optimization, and analysis with 100-point scoring. 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 or safety improvements for Salesforce queries. TRIGGER when: user writes, optimizes, or debugs SOQL/SOSL queries, touches .soql files, or asks about relationship queries, aggregates, or query performance. DO NOT TRIGGER when: bulk data operations (use handling-sf-data), Apex DML logic (use generating-apex), or report/dashboard queries.
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Install
Works with every agent the skills CLI supports.
npx skills add https://github.com/forcedotcom/sf-skills --skill querying-soql- 01
Install
Run the command in your project. The CLI asks which agents to install for.
- 02
Describe the task
Ask your agent for something this skill covers. It loads querying-soql automatically when relevant.
- 03
Review the result
The agent follows the SKILL.md steps, scripts and references bundled with the skill.
SKILL.md
The instructions your agent reads when the skill is triggered.
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
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
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
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
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 |
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 |
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 |
FAQ
What does the querying-soql skill do?
SOQL query generation, optimization, and analysis with 100-point scoring. 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 or safety improvements for Salesforce queries. TRIGGER when: user writes, optimizes, or debugs SOQL/SOSL queries, touches .soql files, or asks about relationship queries, aggregates, or query performance. DO NOT TRIGGER when: bulk data operations (use handling-sf-data), Apex DML logic (use generating-apex), or report/dashboard queries.
How do I install querying-soql?
Run npx skills add https://github.com/forcedotcom/sf-skills --skill querying-soql in your project. The skills CLI detects the agents you use and copies the skill into the right folder. For Claude Code you can also place the skill folder at ~/.claude/skills/querying-soql/ (personal) or .claude/skills/querying-soql/ (project).
Which AI agents can use querying-soql?
Any agent that supports the open Agent Skills format (a folder with a SKILL.md file), including Claude Code, Codex, Cursor, GitHub Copilot, Gemini CLI, Windsurf, Cline, OpenCode and more.
Is querying-soql safe to install?
No partner security audit is available yet. Skills can run commands and scripts, so read the SKILL.md and any bundled files before installing.
Who maintains querying-soql?
It is published by forcedotcom in forcedotcom/sf-skills. It has 3,012 recorded installs.
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