> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://cortex-docs.paloaltonetworks.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://cortex-docs.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex-agentix/reference-and-developer-docs/cortex-agentix-xql/build-xql-queries/how-to-build-xql-queries/get-started-with-xql-queries.md).

# Get started with XQL queries

Before you begin running XQL queries, do the following:

* Use the interface to help you build queries

  Cortex AgentiX offers features in the XQL search interface to help you build queries. 
* Mitigate long-running queries

  Querying the XDM enables searching of Cortex AgentiX's extensive data. We recommend that you use filters to streamline your queries. 
* Understand query defaults and limitations

  Before you run a query, review this list to better understand query behavior and results. 
* Translate Splunk queries to XQL

  If you have existing Splunk queries, you can translate them to XQL. 

{% hint style="info" %}

### Tip

If you are new to creating queries, you can also try our simple search templates, which can help you get started in understanding how queries work. See [Get started with Query Builder templates](/cortex-agentix/reference-and-developer-docs/cortex-agentix-xql/build-xql-queries/query-builder-templates/get-started-with-query-builder-templates.md). \
\
For more information, see [How to build XQL queries](/cortex-agentix/reference-and-developer-docs/cortex-agentix-xql/build-xql-queries/how-to-build-xql-queries.md).
{% endhint %}


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter:

```
GET https://cortex-docs.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex-agentix/reference-and-developer-docs/cortex-agentix-xql/build-xql-queries/how-to-build-xql-queries/get-started-with-xql-queries.md?ask=<question>&goal=<endgoal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal.

The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.