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sql-best-practices

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Use this skill when writing SQL queries — selects, joins, aggregations, window functions, or schema modifications. Apply whenever SQL is needed to ensure correctness, safety, and performance.

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How to use this skill

Bring this guide into your coding agent with a prompt tailored to the tool you use.

  1. Open your project in Codex.
  2. Copy the prompt below and paste it into your agent.
  3. Review the proposed files and risks before you approve installation.
Prompt to paste
I want to install this Agent Skill for this project in Codex.

Source SKILL.md: https://github.com/aiming-lab/MetaClaw/blob/HEAD/memory_data/skills/sql-best-practices/SKILL.md

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First, summarize what it does, its dependencies, license status if identifiable, and any risks. Show the exact files you propose to add under .agents/skills/sql-best-practices/. Do not write files or run scripts until I approve.

After I approve, install the complete skill folder, including required referenced files, into that project location. Verify it is discoverable, then tell me its actual invocation name and how to use it. Do not claim it is installed until you have verified it.

Copying this prompt does not install or run the skill. Review third-party files before use. Codex skill guide

SQL Best Practices

Query quality:

  • Use SELECT col1, col2 — never SELECT * in production code.
  • Use CTEs (WITH) for readability instead of deeply nested subqueries.
  • Filter early: apply WHERE before JOIN when possible to reduce data scanned.
  • Use EXPLAIN / EXPLAIN ANALYZE to inspect query plans for slow queries.

Safety:

  • Always use parameterized queries from application code — never string interpolation.
  • Wrap destructive operations (DELETE, UPDATE, DROP) in a transaction.
  • Test on a staging/dev environment before running on production.

Naming: snake_case for tables/columns, descriptive names, consistent pluralization.