Simple Chat

SQL Query

Full guide for the SQL Query SimpleChat action.

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SQL Query configuration

Capture the SQL Database Configuration panel with Query Plugin selected. Redact connection strings and credentials.

Save as docs/images/reference/actions-sql-query-configuration.png

Drop the file at that path and it replaces this card automatically. No other change needed.

What this action does

SQL Query executes SQL against configured SQL Server, Azure SQL, PostgreSQL, MySQL, or SQLite databases. It can validate a query, run row-returning queries, run scalar queries, and answer database questions with supplied SQL. Max Rows and Timeout (seconds) limit result size and execution time.

Why and when to use it

Use SQL Query when the answer depends on exact relational data: joins, filters, counts, current rows, or scalar values. Pair it with SQL Schema when the agent needs table and column discovery before writing SQL. Do not use it for Snowflake or Databricks warehouses; those have dedicated actions. Do not use it for spreadsheets; use Tabular Processing. Keep Read Only Mode set to Yes (Recommended) unless writes have been separately reviewed.

Before you start

  • A reachable SQL Server, Azure SQL, PostgreSQL, MySQL, or SQLite database.
  • A connection string or individual Server, Database, optional Port, and SQL Server ODBC Driver values.
  • Credentials through Username & Password, Integrated Authentication, Managed Identity (Azure), Service Principal (Azure), Connection String Only, or a compatible Reusable Identity.
  • Agents/actions enabled with enable_semantic_kernel.

Configure the action

  1. Choose SQL Query. If the combined SQL panel opens, select Plugin Type > Query Plugin.
  2. Choose Database Type: SQL Server, Azure SQL, PostgreSQL, MySQL, or SQLite.
  3. Choose Connection Method: Connection String or Individual Parameters.
  4. Fill Connection String, or fill Server, Database, optional Port, and ODBC Driver when shown.
  5. Choose Authentication Type and fill the shown credential fields, or choose Reusable Identity when available.
  6. Under Query Plugin Settings, leave Read Only Mode at Yes (Recommended) unless writes are approved.
  7. Set Max Rows and Timeout (seconds).
  8. Use Test Connection, then save.

Example prompts

  • “How many open support tickets were created last week by product area?”
  • “List the top 20 customers by renewal risk score and include account owner.”
  • “Validate this query before running it: SELECT COUNT(*) FROM dbo.Events.”

Troubleshooting

Symptom Likely cause Fix
Connection test fails Connection string, server, database, driver, or credentials do not match the target. Test the same credentials outside SimpleChat, then correct the modal fields.
The agent writes invalid SQL It does not know the schema. Pair the agent with SQL Schema or provide table and column names in instructions.
Results are truncated Max Rows is lower than the result size. Ask for a grouped or filtered result, or raise Max Rows within governance limits.