SQL examples and functions

Introduction to Databricks Genie

Gang Wang

Senior Data Scientist

When Genie needs help

nanobanana: half: AI assistant uncertain about revenue aggregation, question marks around grouping options

"What is the top revenue-generating product?"

Genie might guess at the grouping and aggregation.

SQL examples ensure it follows your exact pattern every time.

Function vs. Query

nanobanana: half: SQL Function for single value calculations vs Example Query for structural patterns with joins

SQL function when

Repeatable math or logic
Applies to a single value
Example: 15% bulk discount formula

Example query when

Structural patterns with joins
Multiple tables or complex filters
Example: customers who haven't shopped in 2 weeks

Creating a SQL example

Natural language description

"Identify the top revenue-generating product"

Phrased how users actually ask

Creating a SQL example

Natural language description

"Identify the top revenue-generating product"

Phrased how users actually ask

Verified SQL

SELECT
  `product`,
  SUM(`totalPrice`) as total_revenue,
  COUNT(*) as transaction_count,
  SUM(`quantity`) as total_quantity_sold
FROM
  `samples`.`bakehouse`.`sales_transactions`
GROUP BY
  `product`
ORDER BY
  total_revenue DESC

Genie uses YOUR exact pattern

Coming up: Trusted Assets

nanobanana: half: Gold shield with lock icon and SQL code, representing verified trusted query

For mission-critical KPIs that need guaranteed accuracy, Genie offers Trusted Assets - verified queries that run your exact SQL every time.

We'll cover how to create and use them in Chapter 4.

Let's practice!

Introduction to Databricks Genie