> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.pylar.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# SQL IDE Basics

> Learn how to use Pylar's built-in SQL IDE to query data sources, work with dataframes, and create views

## Introduction to the SQL IDE

When you create a new view in Pylar, the **SQL IDE** (Integrated Development Environment) appears in the center of your screen. This powerful editor provides everything you need to write, test, and refine SQL queries before saving them as views.

## The SQL IDE Interface

The SQL IDE is designed for efficiency and ease of use:

<img src="https://mintcdn.com/pylar/Oo2BJ82uVA5jsZ1o/images/db_view_pylar_docs.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=Oo2BJ82uVA5jsZ1o&q=85&s=25b7e67f19c28732a20eb8280f5a1f1b" alt="Pylar SQL IDE interface showing datasource selector, query editor, and results panel" width="3306" height="2160" data-path="images/db_view_pylar_docs.png" />

### Key Components

* **Datasource Selector**: Dropdown menu to select your data source
* **SQL Query Editor**: Main editing area for writing queries
* **Run Query Button**: Executes your query and displays results
* **Query Results Panel**: Shows query output, row counts, and execution metadata

## Selecting a Data Source

Before writing your query, you must select which data source to query.

### Step-by-Step

1. Locate the **"Select Datasource"** dropdown above the SQL IDE
2. Click the dropdown to reveal all available data sources
3. Choose your desired data source:
   * Connected databases (BigQuery, Snowflake, PostgreSQL, etc.)
   * **Local Dataframes** (for querying dataframes in your session)
4. If needed, navigate to the specific database, schema, or table within that source

<Tip>
  The dropdown dynamically shows all active connections. Ensure your database connection is established and active before selecting it.
</Tip>

## Writing Your Query

Once you've selected a data source, replace the default query template with your SQL query.

### Basic Query Example

```sql theme={null}
SELECT 
  customer_id,
  customer_name,
  email,
  created_at
FROM customers
WHERE is_active = true
ORDER BY created_at DESC;
```

### Query Editor Features

Pylar's SQL IDE includes:

* **Syntax Highlighting**: Color-coded SQL keywords and identifiers
* **Auto-completion**: Intelligent suggestions for table and column names
* **Error Detection**: Visual indicators for syntax errors
* **Query Formatting**: Clean, readable code structure

## Running Your Query

Execute your query to see results and verify it works correctly.

<img src="https://mintcdn.com/pylar/Oo2BJ82uVA5jsZ1o/images/create_view_button.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=Oo2BJ82uVA5jsZ1o&q=85&s=443daf3e34afc5ec58c026bc82363882" alt="Create view button and run query button in Pylar SQL IDE" width="3306" height="2160" data-path="images/create_view_button.png" />

### Execution Steps

1. **Review Your Query**: Double-check your SQL for accuracy
2. **Click "Run Query"**: Located in the top right of the center screen
3. **Wait for Execution**: A loader appears in the results section below the IDE
4. **View Results**: Once complete, results appear in the Query Results section

<Info>
  The loader indicator shows that Pylar is processing your query. For large datasets, this may take a few moments.
</Info>

## Understanding Query Results

When your query executes successfully, the results panel displays comprehensive information.

<img src="https://mintcdn.com/pylar/Oo2BJ82uVA5jsZ1o/images/running_db_view.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=Oo2BJ82uVA5jsZ1o&q=85&s=e2f29718213970c8ba2d9ccf3b3efd01" alt="Query results displayed in Pylar SQL IDE showing data table and execution metadata" width="3306" height="2160" data-path="images/running_db_view.png" />

### Results Panel Contents

* **Data Table**: Tabular view of your query results
  * Scrollable for large result sets
  * Column headers for easy reference
  * Formatted data for readability

* **Row Count**: Total number of rows returned by the query

* **Last Run Time**: Timestamp showing when the query was executed

* **Execution Metadata**: Additional details about query performance

<Check>
  The results table is interactive—you can scroll, sort columns, and explore your data directly in the IDE.
</Check>

## Best Practices

### Query Development

* \*\*Start with SELECT \*\*\*: Begin by viewing all columns, then refine to specific columns
* **Test Incrementally**: Add filters, joins, and aggregations one step at a time
* **Use LIMIT**: When exploring large datasets, use `LIMIT` to speed up testing
* **Verify Results**: Always check row counts and sample data before finalizing

### Performance Optimization

* **Filter Early**: Apply `WHERE` clauses before joins to reduce data volume
* **Select Specific Columns**: Avoid `SELECT *` in production views when possible
* **Monitor Execution Time**: Pay attention to query performance during testing

## Next Steps

Now that you understand the SQL IDE basics:

* [Cross-Database Joins](/learn/creating-data-views/cross-database-joins) - Learn how to query and join data across multiple sources
* [Writing Your First View](/learn/creating-data-views/writing-your-first-view) - Create a comprehensive view joining data across multiple sources
* [View Best Practices](/learn/creating-data-views/view-best-practices) - Optimize your views for performance and maintainability

<Card title="Cross-Database Joins" icon="link" href="/learn/creating-data-views/cross-database-joins">
  Learn how to join data across multiple databases and dataframes
</Card>