query-writing

SKILL.md

Query Writing Skill

Workflow for Simple Queries

For straightforward questions about a single table:

Identify the table - Which table has the data?

Get the schema - Use sql_db_schema to see columns

Write the query - SELECT relevant columns with WHERE/LIMIT/ORDER BY

Execute - Run with sql_db_query

Format answer - Present results clearly

Workflow for Complex Queries

For questions requiring multiple tables:
1. Plan Your Approach

Use write_todos to break down the task:

Identify all tables needed

Map relationships (foreign keys)

Plan JOIN structure

Determine aggregations

2. Examine Schemas

Use sql_db_schema for EACH table to find join columns and needed fields.

3. Construct Query

SELECT - Columns and aggregates

FROM/JOIN - Connect tables on FK = PK

WHERE - Filters before aggregation

GROUP BY - All non-aggregate columns

ORDER BY - Sort meaningfully

LIMIT - Default 5 rows

4. Validate and Execute

Check all JOINs have conditions, GROUP BY is correct, then run query.

Example: Revenue by Country

SELECT
    c.Country,
    ROUND(SUM(i.Total), 2) as TotalRevenue
FROM Invoice i
INNER JOIN Customer c ON i.CustomerId = c.CustomerId
GROUP BY c.Country
ORDER BY TotalRevenue DESC
LIMIT 5;

Error Recovery

If a query fails or returns unexpected results:

Empty results — Verify column names and WHERE conditions against the schema; check for case sensitivity or NULL values

Syntax error — Re-examine JOINs, GROUP BY completeness, and alias references

Timeout — Add stricter WHERE filters or LIMIT to reduce result set, then refine

Quality Guidelines

Query only relevant columns (not SELECT *)

Always apply LIMIT (5 default)

Use table aliases for clarity

For complex queries: use write_todos to plan

Never use DML statements (INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE, DROP)

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