KQL
Also written: Kusto Query Language
Kusto Query Language (KQL) is a language for searching and analyzing data in Microsoft services like Azure Data Explorer.
Kusto Query Language, or KQL, is a special language used to search and analyze data. Think of it like a powerful search engine for specific Microsoft services.
For example, if you were using Microsoft Copilot and wanted to see all the times it used a particular tool, you could write a KQL query to find that information in the logs.
Kusto Query Language (KQL) is a read-only query language developed by Microsoft for Azure Data Explorer. It is optimized for log and telemetry data analysis, offering a powerful and flexible way to explore large datasets. KQL uses a pipeline syntax where data flows through a series of transformation operators, making complex queries readable and efficient. Its strengths lie in its performance for time-series data and its integration with Azure services.
Microsoft Copilot's debugging capabilities rely on KQL to analyze logs and trace agent behavior. As AI agents become more complex, tools like KQL are essential for understanding their performance and identifying issues.
- When my agent is slow or wrong, where do I even look?Microsoft · Microsoft Developer on YouTube ·
- Microsoft Copilot
- Microsoft Copilot uses Kusto Query Language (KQL) to help developers and users debug AI agents by querying logs and tracing data.
- SQL
- Structured Query Language (SQL) is a standard language for managing and que
- Splunk SPL
- Splunk's Search Processing Language (SPL) is also used for log analy
KQL was developed by Microsoft for Azure Data Explorer, a service designed for real-time analytics on large volumes of data. It evolved from the Kusto engine. Source ↗
You can explore KQL by using the Azure Data Explorer web UI. Try running sample queries against public datasets to see how KQL can be used to filter, aggregate, and visualize data. Look for tutorials on the Microsoft Learn site.
The Playbook: reusable how-tos, prompts, configs and tips pulled out of the news.
- PromptRole-play a student struggling with math for AI tutor simulationSimulate a student's math struggles and uncertainty for AI tutor evaluation. · 5 min
- TemplateReusable workflow templates for healthcare teamsTeams can create and share templates for common workflows like documentation or prior authorizations. · 15 min
- TemplateTemplate for building an AI tool tailored to your workA structured approach to defining and building a custom AI tool for specific business needs. · 15 min
- TemplateEvals CSV prompt list for agent skillsA CSV file template for listing prompts used in evaluating agent skills. · 20 min
- HeuristicDouble coding agent task completion with docs linksProviding coding agents with a documentation link significantly increases their task completion rate. · 2 min
Questions people ask
- What is KQL used for?
- KQL is primarily used for searching, analyzing, and visualizing log data, time-series data, and telemetry from Microsoft services like Azure Data Explorer and Azure Monitor.
- Is KQL similar to SQL?
- While both are query languages, KQL is optimized for log and telemetry data with a pipeline syntax, whereas SQL is designed for relational databases and uses a declarative syntax.
First seen on Subvolts Oct 8, 2026. Updated Oct 15, 2026. Written by an AI model from the items above and reviewed against them weekly; report an error.

