Cassandra Query Language (CQL) quickstart

Because Astra DB Serverless is powered by Apache Cassandra®, you can use Cassandra Query Language (CQL) queries. You can add and retrieve the schema and data using CQL.

You can send queries to your Astra DB Serverless database with the embedded CQL shell (CQLSH) or the standalone CQLSH.

You can also send CQL queries to your Astra DB Serverless database with the drivers:

Prerequisites

The code samples on this page assume the following:

You have an active Astra account.
You have created a Astra DB Serverless database.

Connect to the CQL shell

In the Astra Portal, go to Databases, and then select your database.
Click CQL Console.

The CQL Console opens in a new window and connects directly to your database. You can now run CQL commands on your database without leaving your browser.

Create a table

Create a table within your default_keyspace to include user information, defining the primary key as firstname and lastname:

CREATE TABLE default_keyspace.users (
  firstname text,
  lastname text,
  email text,
  "favorite color" text,
  PRIMARY KEY (firstname, lastname)
)
  WITH CLUSTERING ORDER BY (lastname ASC);

Insert data

Add data about a user into your new users table:

INSERT INTO default_keyspace.users (
  firstname,
  lastname,
  email,
  "favorite color"
  )
  VALUES (
    'Mookie',
    'Betts',
    'mookie.betts@gmail.com',
    'blue'
  )
;

Retrieve data

Select all rows in the table:

SELECT * FROM default_keyspace.users;

Select a specific row using the primary key:

SELECT * FROM default_keyspace.users
  WHERE firstname = 'Mookie' AND lastname = 'Betts';

Update data

Update a user’s email address:

UPDATE default_keyspace.users SET email = 'mookie.betts-new-email@gmail.com'
  WHERE firstname = 'Mookie' AND lastname = 'Betts';

Verify the row has the updated email address:

SELECT * FROM default_keyspace.users
  WHERE firstname = 'Mookie';

Delete data

Delete a specific row using the primary key:

DELETE FROM default_keyspace.users
  WHERE firstname = 'Mookie' AND lastname = 'Betts';