Query documents (default container)

Runs a Cosmos DB SQL query against the default container from the connection settings. Use the #DirectSQL prefix so the query is sent as-is; root refers to the container. Filter and order as needed (e.g. by root._ts for last-updated).

For query syntax see Cosmos DB SQL query reference.

Standard SQL query example

This is the base query accepted by the connector. To execute it in SQL Server, you have to pass it to the Data Gateway via a Linked Server. See how to accomplish this using the examples below.

#DirectSQL SELECT * FROM root where root.id !=null order by root._ts desc

Using OPENQUERY in SQL Server

SELECT * FROM OPENQUERY([LS_TO_COSMOS_DB_IN_GATEWAY], '#DirectSQL SELECT * FROM root where root.id !=null order by root._ts desc')

Using EXEC in SQL Server (handling larger SQL text)

The major drawback of OPENQUERY is its inability to incorporate variables within SQL statements. This often leads to the use of cumbersome dynamic SQL (with numerous ticks and escape characters).

Fortunately, starting with SQL 2005 and onwards, you can utilize the EXEC (your_sql) AT [LS_TO_COSMOS_DB_IN_GATEWAY] syntax.

DECLARE @MyQuery NVARCHAR(MAX) = '#DirectSQL SELECT * FROM root where root.id !=null order by root._ts desc'
EXEC (@MyQuery) AT [LS_TO_COSMOS_DB_IN_GATEWAY]