Writing Queries

Write and execute SQL queries against blockchain data using Dune’s query editor.

The query editor is where your team writes, tests, and iterates on SQL against Dune’s blockchain datasets. Whether you’re building production dashboards, validating on-chain metrics, or exploring data for the first time, the editor provides the tools to move from question to answer without leaving the browser.

The query editor uses DuneSQL, a Trino-based engine optimized for blockchain data. For syntax details, supported functions, and data types, see the SQL Query Engine documentation.

Toolbar

The toolbar sits above the code editor and provides quick access to common actions.

Tool	Description
Edit SQL with prompt	Type a natural language instruction to generate or modify SQL using AI. See Dune AI for details.
Add parameter {}	Insert a dynamic parameter into your query. Parameters let dashboard viewers filter data without editing SQL. See Using Parameters.
Format query	Auto-format your SQL with standard indentation and spacing for readability.
Explain query	Generate an AI-powered plain-English summary of what your query does. Useful for onboarding teammates or documenting query logic.
Hide/Show SQL	Collapse the code editor to maximize screen space for results and visualizations. Click again to restore it.

Editor settings

Click the Settings (gear icon) in the top-right corner of the editor panel to customize your coding environment.

Setting	Description
Fullscreen mode	Expand the editor to fill the entire screen.
Syntax style	Change the color theme and syntax highlighting of your SQL code.
Tab size	Set the indentation width (e.g., 2 or 4 spaces).
Diff view	Choose how code changes are displayed (e.g., split view).
Enable autocomplete	Toggle intelligent code completion on or off.

Writing and executing queries

Autocomplete

The editor provides context-aware autocomplete for DuneSQL keywords, table names, and column aliases already referenced in your query. To manually trigger the autocomplete menu at any time, press Ctrl/Cmd + Space.

Running queries

Click the Run button (or press Ctrl + Enter) to execute your query. Results appear in the results panel below the editor.

The Try API button next to Run generates an API endpoint for your query results, making it easy to integrate Dune data into external applications. See the API documentation for more.

Run selection

You can execute a specific portion of a query instead of the full statement. This is useful for testing subqueries, debugging intermediate results, or validating individual CTEs.

Highlight the portion of the query you want to run. The Run button updates to Run selection, and only the highlighted SQL is executed.

Error handling

When a query fails, a red error banner appears at the top of the editor with details about the failure. Error messages include:

• Error type — e.g., COLUMN_NOT_FOUND, SYNTAX_ERROR
• Line and character position — the exact location of the issue in your SQL
• Description — a human-readable explanation of the problem

This inline feedback allows you to identify and fix issues without leaving the editor.

Keyboard shortcuts

Shortcut	Action
Ctrl + Enter	Execute the query
Ctrl + # or /	Comment out selected code
Ctrl + Space	Open autocomplete menu
Ctrl + Z	Undo last change
Ctrl + Y	Redo last change
Ctrl + F	Find text
Ctrl + H	Find and replace text

Shortcuts are based on US/UK keyboard layouts and may vary depending on your device’s language settings.

Query results

Query results appear in a table below the editor after execution.

• Sort by clicking any column header. Click once for ascending order, click again for descending.
• Paginate through results using the page controls. Each page displays 25 rows.
• Search across all result rows using the search bar below the results table.

Column formatting

Each column in the results table can be individually configured without modifying your SQL:

Option	Description
Title	Rename the display header (e.g., change transfer_volume_usd to “Volume”).
Align	Set column alignment to left or right.
Format	Apply number or currency formatting (e.g., 0.00, $0.0a).
Hide column	Toggle column visibility to focus on relevant data.
Colored negative values	Automatically highlight negative numbers in red for easier trend analysis.

For full details on table formatting options, including progress bars and advanced number formats, see the Formatting Tables documentation.