> 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-xdr-3.x/cortex-xdr-3.x-documentation/investigate-and-respond-to-incidents/build-xql-queries/how-to-build-xql-queries/xql-query-best-practices.md).

# XQL Query best practices

Learn about best practices for streamlining XQL queries.

{% hint style="info" %}

### Notice

Building Cortex Query Language (XQL) queries in the Query Builder requires a Cortex XDR Pro license.
{% endhint %}

Cortex XDR includes built-in mechanisms for mitigating long-running queries, such as default limits for the maximum number of allowed alerts. The following suggestions can help you to streamline your queries:

* Add a smaller limit to queries by using a `limit` stage.

  The default results for any query is a maximum of 1,000,000 results, when no limit is explicitly stated in the query. Queries based on XQL query entities are limited to 10,000 results. Adding a smaller limit can greatly reduce the response time.

  Example:

  ```programlisting
  dataset = microsoft_windows_raw 
  | fields *host* 
  | limit 100
  ```
* Use a small time frame for queries by specifying the specific date and time in the **Timeframe**, such as selecting **Relative time** and defining **Last 30 Minutes**, instead of picking the nearest larger option available or defining an extended time period.
* Use filters that exclude data, along with other possible filters.
* Select the specific fields that you would like to see in the query results.


---

# 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 by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the following URL with the `ask` and `goal` query parameters:

```
GET https://cortex-docs.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex-xdr-3.x/cortex-xdr-3.x-documentation/investigate-and-respond-to-incidents/build-xql-queries/how-to-build-xql-queries/xql-query-best-practices.md?ask=<question>&goal=<user_goal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is what the user is ultimately trying to achieve, the reason they need the answer. Sharing it helps GitBook give you a better, more relevant answer. A goal is most helpful when it describes the outcome the user wants rather than restating the question. For example, with `ask=how do I create an API token`, a goal like `automate deployments from our CI pipeline` lets GitBook tailor the answer to that use case.

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.