geode-docs/developing/querying_basics/chapter_overview.html.md.erb

---
title:  Querying
---

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<%=vars.product_name%> provides a SQL-like querying language called OQL that allows you to access data stored in <%=vars.product_name%> regions.

Since <%=vars.product_name%> regions are key-value stores where values can range from simple byte arrays to complex
nested objects, <%=vars.product_name%> uses a query syntax based on OQL (Object Query Language) to query region
data. OQL is very similar to SQL, but OQL allows you to query complex objects, object attributes,
and methods.

-   **[Querying FAQ and Examples](../../getting_started/querying_quick_reference.html)**

    This topic answers some frequently asked questions on querying functionality. It provides examples to help you get started with <%=vars.product_name%> querying.

-   **[Querying with OQL](query_basics.html)**

    This section provides a high-level introduction to <%=vars.product_name%> querying such as building a query string and describes query language features.

-   **[Advanced Querying](../query_additional/advanced_querying.html)**

    This section includes advanced querying topics such as using query indexes, using query bind parameters, querying partitioned regions and query debugging.

-   **[Working with Indexes](../query_index/query_index.html)**

    The <%=vars.product_name%> query engine supports indexing. An index can provide significant performance gains for query execution.