Query Data in Data Cloud

Salesforce Data Cloud enables you to collect, store, and process data from Salesforce clouds and external systems. After harmonizing and unifying your data, you can create metrics that span all data sources, providing comprehensive insights. To extract valuable insights from your Data Cloud data, you can query it using integrated apps, object-specific APIs, client libraries, and Data Cloud query APIs. This guide focuses on how to retrieve data from Data Cloud.

Review this decision flow diagram to determine which data retrieval method works best for you.

Decision flow for querying data cloud data

To help you choose the most suitable data retrieval method based on your specific needs, consider the following:

  • To explore and query data using a visual interface, use integrated apps. For more information, see Data Cloud Integrated Apps.
  • For object-oriented queries, use the Data Cloud Connect REST API or the Data Cloud REST API. See Data Cloud Object-Specific APIs for details.
  • To seamlessly integrate your applications with Data Cloud data, use a language-specific client library. The available libraries include JDBC, Python, and the Connect API for Apex. For more information, see Language-Specific Client Libraries.
  • To query Data Cloud data using custom SQL queries REST API calls, you can use the Data Cloud Connect API (REST API and Apex). See Data Cloud SQL Query APIs for more information.

As an admin, you'll likely focus on data exploration, reporting, and user enablement:

  1. Start with Data Explorer: Use Salesforce's built-in Data Explorer tool to explore your data
  2. Understand Your Data Model: Review available data objects and relationships
  3. Set Up User Permissions: Configure user roles and permissions for data access
  4. Create Reports and Dashboards: Build analytics using integrated apps
  5. Monitor Usage: Track API limits and performance

Quick Start: Begin with Query Editor to run your first Data Cloud SQL queries.

As a developer, you'll focus on programmatic access and application integration:

  1. Choose Your Integration Method: Review Language-Specific Client Libraries or Data Cloud SQL Query APIs to select the right approach
  2. Set Up Authentication: Configure Connected Apps and OAuth
  3. Explore the Data Model: Use the Metadata API to understand available objects
  4. Start with Simple Queries: Follow Get Started With Data Cloud SQL examples

Quick Start: Try the Data Cloud Quick Start to make your first API call.

  1. Write a Simple Query
  2. Filter Your Query Results
  3. Join Records from Different DMOs and DLOs
  1. Set up JDBC for Java applications
  2. Use the Python Connector for data analysis
  3. Build with Connect API in Apex

Calculated insight and data transformation creation use a different SQL dialect than described in this guide. See Calculated Insights and Streaming Data Transforms in Salesforce Help for more information about the different SQL dialect.