Step 1: Find Your Focus

A clean workspace is key to concentration. Before I even write a line of code, I like to clear away the clutter and create a distraction-free "zen mode" for my analysis. You can instantly hide the side panels to focus on what matters: your query.

• Shortcut: Hide the left-hand database browser with Ctrl + B.
• Shortcut: Hide the right-hand results inspector with Ctrl + I.
• Shortcut: Lock into worksheet mode with Ctrl + E.

With three quick keystrokes, the interface melts away, leaving you with a clean canvas for your analysis.

Step 2: Running Your Initial Query

Let's start by getting a feel for the data. A simple DESCRIBE is perfect for understanding the schema and seeing what kinds of values are in each column. Type this into your cell:

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DESCRIBE sample_data.nyc.taxi

Now for the good stuff: Instead of reaching for the mouse to click "Run," just press Ctrl + Enter.

• Shortcut: Run the entire query in the cell with Ctrl + Enter.

Instantly, your results appear. No clicking, no waiting, just a seamless flow from thought to result.

Step 3: Targeted Analysis

Often, a query has multiple parts, like a Common Table Expression (CTE). During development, you might not want to run the whole thing, but just check the output of one piece.

Let's say you have this query to find the most common trip distances:

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WITH trips AS (  
  SELECT  
    trip_distance  
  FROM nyc_taxi  
  WHERE trip_distance > 0  
)

SELECT  
  trip_distance,  
  COUNT(*) AS num_trips  
FROM trips  
GROUP BY ALL  
ORDER BY num_trips DESC

If you only want to see the output of the trips CTE, just highlight that part of the query with your keyboard and hit Ctrl + Shift + Enter.

• Shortcut: Run only the selected text with Ctrl + Shift + Enter.

This lets you debug and build complex queries piece by piece, giving you an incredible level of control, all from the keyboard. However…

Step 4: Explore your CTEs with Instant SQL

This is my favorite part. Instant SQL is a true game-changer that brings back that "in the zone" feeling. It updates your results as you type. No more run-wait-debug cycle.

• Shortcut: Toggle Instant SQL mode on with Ctrl + Shift + .

Now, as you type and modify your query, you see the results change in real-time. It feels less like writing code and more like sculpting data. It’s a delightful experience that you have to try to believe.

Going back to the CTE from previous step - you can seamless toggle between the CTE node and the final select node, seeing both results render in the pane!

Step 5: Iterate and Experiment with Comments

Great analysis is iterative. You constantly tweak your query, adding and removing columns or filters. Instead of deleting lines, it's often better to comment them out. Let's start with a query to look at fares and tips.

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SELECT  
  passenger_count,  
  total_amount,  
  tip_amount, -- Let's look at this for now  
FROM nyc_taxi  
ORDER BY total_amount DESC;

What if you want to temporarily remove tip_amount? Just move your cursor to that line and press Ctrl + /. DuckDB's tolerance for trailing commas makes this especially great feeling.

• Shortcut: Toggle line comments with Ctrl + /.

Your query now looks like this, and you can run it to see the change. Hit Ctrl + / again to bring the line back. It's a fast, non-destructive way to experiment.

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SELECT  
  passenger_count,  
  total_amount,  
  -- tip_amount, -- Let's look at this for now  
FROM nyc_taxi  
ORDER BY total_amount DESC;

Step 6: Leverage AI assitance

Sometimes you know what you want to ask, but not exactly how to write the SQL. Let's say you want to find the average trip distance and fare per passenger count, but only for trips paid by credit card (payment_type = 1).

Instead of breaking your flow to search documentation, you can summon a helpful assistant directly in the editor. Just press Ctrl + K.

• Shortcut: Open the AI query assistant with Ctrl + K.

A small window will pop up. Type your question in plain English: "calculate the average trip distance and fare per passenger count for credit card trips". The assistant will generate the SQL for you, keeping you right in the editor and focused on the problem.

Step 7: Automated SQL Formatting

After all that exploration, your query might be a little messy. For sharing, saving, or just for your own sanity, clean SQL is crucial. There's a deep satisfaction in tidying up your work with a single command.

• Shortcut: Automatically format the entire cell with Ctrl + Alt + O.

One keystroke, and your query is instantly transformed into a perfectly formatted, readable piece of code. It's the perfect finishing touch.