platform-soql-query: Salesforce SOQL Query Expert

SkillFiles & storage

Use when the user needs SOQL/SOSL authoring or optimization: natural-language-to-query generation, relationship queries, aggregates, query-plan/selectivity analysis, and performance or safety improvements. TRIGGER when the user writes, optimizes, or debugs SOQL/SOSL, touches .soql files, or asks about relationship queries, aggregates, or query performance. DO NOT TRIGGER for bulk data operations (use platform-data-manage), Apex DML logic (use platform-apex-generate), or report/dashboard queries.

Available today. Use it from your connected AI after setup.

Add ahel to your AI once: Claude, ChatGPT, Cursor, Claude Code or Codex. Then ask it to use this.

Then ask your AI: use the platform-soql-query: Salesforce SOQL Query Expert skill

What this skill tells your AI

The instructions your AI receives, as published by forcedotcom/sf-skills in skills/platform-soql-query/SKILL.md and read by ahel’s review.

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 platform-soql-query 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:


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

NeedDefault pattern
parent data from childchild-to-parent traversal
child rows from parentsubquery
counts / rollupsaggregate query
records with / without related rowssemi-join / anti-join
text search across objectsSOSL

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:


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:

  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 platform-data-manage or embed in Apex>

Cross-Skill Integration

NeedDelegate toReason
run the query against an orgplatform-data-manageexecution and export
embed the query in services/selectorsplatform-apex-generateimplementation context
analyze slow-query symptoms from logsplatform-apex-logs-debugruntime evidence
wire query-backed UIexperience-lwc-generatefrontend integration

Score Guide

ScoreMeaning
90+production-optimized query
80–89good query with minor improvements possible
70–79functional but performance concerns remain
< 70needs revision before production use

Reference File Index

FileWhen to read
references/soql-syntax-reference.mdSyntax, operators, date literals, relationship query patterns
references/query-optimization.mdSelectivity rules, indexing strategy, governor limits, security patterns
references/soql-reference.mdQuick reference — operators, date functions, aggregate functions, WITH clauses
references/anti-patterns.mdCommon SOQL mistakes and their fixes — read before finalizing any query
references/selector-patterns.mdApex selector layer patterns — read when embedding queries in Apex classes
references/field-coverage-rules.mdField coverage validation — read when generating SOQL used inside Apex code
references/cli-commands.mdsf CLI query execution, bulk export, query plan commands
assets/basic-queries.soqlStarter query examples for common objects
assets/relationship-queries.soqlParent-to-child and child-to-parent relationship query patterns
assets/aggregate-queries.soqlCOUNT, SUM, GROUP BY, ROLLUP query patterns
assets/optimization-patterns.soqlSelective filter and index-aware query patterns
assets/bulkified-query-pattern.clsApex Map-based bulk query pattern for trigger contexts
assets/selector-class.clsFull selector class implementation template
scripts/post-tool-validate.pyPost-write hook — runs static SOQL validation and live query plan analysis after .soql file edits

Signals

GitHub stars
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Forks
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Last commit
Sep 2026
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Item type
skill
Key
platform-soql-query
Source
github.com/forcedotcom/sf-skills