> 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/reference-and-developer-docs/cortex-agentix-xql/build-xql-queries/federated-search/query-using-federated-search.md).

# Query using Federated Search

To query using Federated search, navigate to **Incident Response → Investigation → Query Builder** and select **XQL**.

You can build queries across external datasets and ingested datasets, giving you a powerful tool.

In its current version, Federated Search enables only ad-hoc queries via the query builder. You can search, filter and use JOIN operations.

{% hint style="success" %}
**NOTE:**

The following aren't available in Federated Search and remain exclusive to fully ingested data.

* Complex, cross-source analytical functions, for example correlations, widgets, dashboards, and APIs
* `search`, `target` and `view` XQL stages
  {% endhint %}

{% hint style="success" %}
**NOTE:**\
\
If there is a type mismatch between the schema and the data in the field, the query fails and Cortex XSIAM displays an error message. In this case, you must delete the external dataset, re-onboard it and make the required changes to the field type accordingly
{% 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-xsiam/reference-and-developer-docs/cortex-agentix-xql/build-xql-queries/federated-search/query-using-federated-search.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.