> 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-xsiam/detect-investigate-and-respond-to-threats/investigation-and-response/build-xql-queries/query-builder-templates/get-started-with-query-builder-templates.md).

# Get started with Query Builder templates

Before you start running queries with Query Builder templates, consider the following information:

* **Learn about the templates:** Although the templates don’t require XQL knowledge, they do require knowledge of operators and other factors. Understanding how the templates work will help you to build effective queries. For more information, see [Considerations for using Query Builder templates](/cortex-xsiam/detect-investigate-and-respond-to-threats/investigation-and-response/build-xql-queries/query-builder-templates/considerations-for-using-query-builder-templates.md).
* **Look up field and alias descriptions:** The templates are based on the fields and aliases in the Cortex Data Model (XDM). If you want more information about a field or alias, see the [Cortex XSIAM Data Model Schema Guide](/xsiam-data-model-schema/readme.md).
* **Try out our examples:** To help you feel confident with Query Builder templates, start by following our step-by-step examples and tailor them for your environment. For more information, see [Query Builder template examples](/cortex-xsiam/detect-investigate-and-respond-to-threats/investigation-and-response/build-xql-queries/query-builder-templates/query-builder-template-examples.md).


---

# 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-xsiam/detect-investigate-and-respond-to-threats/investigation-and-response/build-xql-queries/query-builder-templates/get-started-with-query-builder-templates.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.