# Basics

- [A MariaDB Primer](https://mariadb.com/docs/server/server-usage/basics/mariadb-usage-guide-1.md): A beginner-friendly primer on using the mariadb command-line client to log in, create databases, and execute basic SQL commands.
- [Basic Queries](https://mariadb.com/docs/server/server-usage/basics/mariadb-advanced-usage-guide-1.md): This guide covers the fundamentals of creating database structures, inserting data, and retrieving information using the default MariaDB client.
- [Basic SQL Debugging](https://mariadb.com/docs/server/server-usage/basics/mariadb-sql-debugging-guide-1.md): Learn strategies for debugging SQL queries, including formatting for readability, using aliases effectively, and interpreting syntax errors.
- [Basic SQL Statements](https://mariadb.com/docs/server/server-usage/basics/mariadb-sql-cheat-cheat-guide-1.md): A quick reference guide for essential SQL statements in MariaDB, categorized by Data Definition, Data Manipulation, and Transaction Control.
- [Commonly Used Queries](https://mariadb.com/docs/server/server-usage/basics/mariadb-advanced-sql-guide-1.md): This guide provides examples of frequent SQL patterns, such as finding maximum values, calculating averages, and using auto-increment columns.
- [String Functions](https://mariadb.com/docs/server/server-usage/basics/mariadb-string-functions-guide-1.md): Explore MariaDB's built-in string functions for formatting, extracting, and manipulating text data within your queries.


---

# Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation

If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:

```
GET https://mariadb.com/docs/server/server-usage/basics.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.