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:

• .soql files
• 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:

1. Query purpose
2. Final SOQL/SOSL
3. Why this shape was chosen
4. Optimization or security notes
5. 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>

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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 |