.create function command

  • Article

Applies to: ✅ Azure Data Explorer

Creates a stored function, which is a reusable KQL query, with the given name. The function definition is persisted with the database metadata.

Functions can call other functions (recursiveness isn't supported). Besides, let statements are allowed as part of the Function Body. See let statements.

Rules for parameter types and CSL statements are the same as for let statements.

Permissions

You must have at least Database User permissions to run this command.

Syntax

.create function [ ifnotexists ] [ with (propertyName = propertyValue [, ...]) ] functionName (parameters) { body }

Learn more about syntax conventions.

Parameters

Name Type Required Description
ifnotexists string If specified, the function will only be created if the function doesn't yet exist.
functionName string ✔️ The name of the function to create or alter.
propertyName, propertyValue string A comma-separated list of key-value property pairs. See supported properties.
parameters string A comma-separated list of parameters required by the function. The format for each parameter must be ParameterName:ParameterDataType.
body string ✔️ A user defined function expression.

Supported properties

Name Type Description
docstring string A description of the function for UI purposes.
folder string The name of a folder used for UI functions categorization.
view bool Designates this function as a stored view. Stored views can participate in search and union * scenarios. For more information, see Views.
skipvalidation bool Determines whether or not to run validation logic on the function and fail the process if the function isn't valid. The default is false.

Tip

If a function involves cross-cluster queries and you plan to recreate the function using a Kusto Query Language script, set skipvalidation to true.

Returns

Output parameter Type Description
Name string The name of the function.
Parameters string The parameters required by the function.
Body string (Zero or more) let statements followed by a valid CSL expression that is evaluated upon function invocation.
Folder string A folder used for UI functions categorization. This parameter doesn't change the way function is invoked.
DocString string A description of the function for UI purposes.

Note

  • If the function already exists:
    • If ifnotexists flag is specified, the command is ignored (no change applied).
    • If ifnotexists flag is NOT specified, an error is returned.
    • For altering an existing function, see .alter function
  • Not all data types are supported in let statements. Supported types are: boolean, string, long, datetime, timespan, double, and dynamic.
  • Use skipvalidation to skip semantic validation of the function. This is useful when functions are created in an incorrect order and F1 that uses F2 is created earlier.

Examples

Simple demo function

The following example creates the MyFunction1 function with a description (docstring), a folder named Demo, and defines the function.

.create function 
with (docstring = 'Simple demo function', folder='Demo')
MyFunction1()
{StormEvents | take 100}
Name Parameters Body Folder DocString
MyFunction1 () {StormEvents | take 100} Demo Simple demo function

Demo function with parameter

The following example creates the MyFunction2 function with a description (docstring), folder named Demo, and defines the MyLimit parameter.

.create function
with (docstring = 'Demo function with parameter', folder='Demo')
 MyFunction2(myLimit: long)
{StormEvents | take myLimit}
Name Parameters Body Folder DocString
MyFunction2 (myLimit:long) {StormEvents | take myLimit} Demo Demo function with parameter