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PROMPT_QUERY

Answer questions about your data​

The prompt_query pragma allows you to ask questions about your data in natural language. This feature translates your plain English questions into SQL, executes the query, and returns the results.

Under the hood, MotherDuck analyzes your database schema, generates appropriate SQL and executes the query on your behalf. This makes data exploration and analysis accessible to users of all technical levels.

info

The prompt_query pragma is a read-only operation and does not allow queries that modify the database.

Syntax​

PRAGMA prompt_query('<natural language question>')

Parameters​

ParameterRequiredDescription
questionYesThe natural language question about your data

Example usage​

Here are several examples using MotherDuck's sample Hacker News dataset from MotherDuck's sample data database.

prompt_query can be used to answer both simple and complex questions.

Basic questions​

-- Find the most shared domains
PRAGMA prompt_query('what are the top domains being shared on hacker_news?')

-- Analyze posting patterns
PRAGMA prompt_query('what day of the week has the most posts?')

-- Identify trends
PRAGMA prompt_query('how has the number of posts changed over time?')

Complex questions​

-- Multi-part analysis
PRAGMA prompt_query('what are the top 5 domains with the highest average score, and how many stories were posted from each?')

-- Time-based analysis
PRAGMA prompt_query('compare the average score of posts made during weekdays versus weekends')

-- Conditional filtering
PRAGMA prompt_query('which users have posted the most stories about artificial intelligence or machine learning?')

Best practices​

For the best results with prompt_query:

  1. Be specific: clearly state what information you're looking for
  2. Provide context: include relevant details about the data you want to analyze
  3. Use natural language: phrase your questions as you would ask a data analyst
  4. Start simple: begin with straightforward questions and build to more complex ones
  5. Refine iteratively: if results aren't what you expected, try rephrasing your question

Limitations​

While prompt_query is powerful, be aware of these limitations:

  • Only performs read operations (SELECT queries)
  • Works best with well-structured data with clear column names
  • Complex statistical analyses will likely require you (or an LLM) to write SQL
  • Performance depends on the complexity of your question and database size
  • May not understand highly domain-specific terminology without you giving more context

Troubleshooting​

If you're not getting the expected results:

  • Check that you're connected to the correct database
  • Ensure your question is clear and specific
  • Try rephrasing your question using different terms
  • For complex analyses, break down into multiple simpler questions

Notes​

MotherDuck AI operates on your current database by evaluating the schemas and contents of the database. To point MotherDuck AI at a specific database, execute the USE database command (learn more about switching databases).

Usage limits are in place to safeguard your spend, not because of throughput limitations. MotherDuck has the capacity to handle high-volume workloads and is always open to working alongside customers to support any type of requirement.

These capabilities are provided by MotherDuck's integration with OpenAI. For availability and pricing, see MotherDuck's Pricing Model.

If you need higher usage limits or have specific requirements, please reach out to the Slack support channel or email support@motherduck.com.