SAQL Basics

SAQL (Salesforce Analytics Query Language) is the language every dashboard chart compiles down to. You rarely write it for simple charts, but understanding it unlocks debugging and custom widgets.

Anatomy of a query

A SAQL query is a pipeline of statements, each transforming the result of the one before it:

q = load "opportunities";
q = filter q by 'StageName' == "Closed Won";
q = group q by 'Region';
q = foreach q generate 'Region' as 'Region', sum('Amount') as 'TotalRevenue';

• load — start from a dataset.
• filter — keep only matching rows.
• group — bucket rows before aggregating.
• foreach ... generate — project the fields and aggregates you want out.

Where you'll see it

Every widget on a dashboard has an underlying Edit query option in the Explorer/Dashboard Editor that reveals the exact SAQL running behind it — the fastest way to learn by example.

What you'll learn next

Next: filtering and grouping in more depth, with real operators and functions.