NLQ (Natural Language Query)
Learn how Natural Language Query (NLQ) lets users ask data questions in plain English without SQL. Make analytics accessible to everyone.
NLQ (Natural Language Query): Asking Questions in Plain Language
What Is NLQ?
Natural Language Query (NLQ) is a modern analytics feature that lets users ask questions of their data in plain, everyday language. Instead of writing SQL code or building a chart manually, a business user can type (or even speak) a question like “What were our total sales last quarter?” or “Show me customers in New York with the highest repeat purchases.” NLQ systems then translate the question into a database query and return the answer in the form of a report or visualization. NLQ combines search technology, AI, and semantic models so that non-technical users can interact with data the way they would ask Google. NLQ is an augmented analytics capability in BI tools that “allows people to ask questions of data within their analytics platform, using everyday language” without needing to know SQL. The user sees results (often charts or tables) generated on the fly, making data exploration much more accessible.
Benefits of NLQ
Democratizes data access: Non-technical employees can query data without deep technical skills. Enhances analysis: NLQ complements traditional reporting. Users can validate hypotheses quickly by asking follow-up questions, which can spark new insights beyond static dashboards. Pervasive insight: By lowering the barrier to data, organizations see broader use of analytics. Guided exploration: Many NLQ systems offer guided NLQ (step-by-step question help) or AI-assisted suggestions, further easing the query process.