> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs-xcor.paloaltonetworks.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Search and query metrics

> Learn how to search and query metrics in Metrics Explorer.

When you create dashboards, monitors, or use the
[Metrics Explorer](/investigate/querying/metrics/explorer), you use a query to select and
filter the metrics in which you're interested, and then apply functions to them. When
querying data, you can use [regular expressions](/investigate/querying/regular-expressions)
or [glob syntax](/investigate/querying/glob-syntax) where supported.

Palo Alto Networks Cortex XCOR supports these languages for querying metrics
data. Contact [Cortex XCOR Support](/support) to configure the data sources you want
to use.

<Note>
  Regular expression syntax and glob syntax are not interchangeable. Cortex XCOR
  supports only one of these query matching patterns in
  supported areas of the product. For example,
  [drop rules](/control/shaping/shape-metrics/rules/drop-rules#create-a-drop-rule) support glob
  syntax, whereas [recording rules](/control/shaping/shape-metrics/rules/recording) support
  regular expression syntax.
</Note>

* **[Prometheus Query Language (PromQL)](/investigate/querying/promql)**: Used with
  Prometheus-compatible metrics. Default.
* **Graphite**: Used with StatsD metrics data. Enabled on request.

  <Note>
    Although Cortex XCOR supports both PromQL and Graphite, this document provides
    information only about the use of PromQL. For more details about Graphite, see the
    [Graphite documentation](https://graphite.readthedocs.io/en/1.0.0/functions.html).
  </Note>

To help construct, optimize, and debug queries, use the
[Query Builder](/investigate/querying/metrics/query-builder) or the
[classic Query Builder](/investigate/querying/metrics/builder). To analyze expensive
queries and understand their relative load, use the
[Query Analyzer](/investigate/analyze/query-analyzer).

To write a query from a description instead, use
[query generation](/investigate/querying/natural-language) or ask
[Operator](/navigate/operator).

## Additional features

Cortex XCOR also provides querying features beyond those covered by using
query languages in its user interface.

* **[Delta queries](/investigate/querying/metrics/delta-queries):** Query metrics that employ
  delta temporality, as opposed to cumulative temporality.
* **[Alert metrics](/investigate/querying/metrics/alert-metrics):** Query the `ALERTS`
  metric for triggered alert series and metadata.
* **[Prometheus API access](/tooling/prometheus-api):**
  Interact directly with Prometheus API endpoints for programmatic workflows.


## Related topics

- [Search and query telemetry data](/investigate/querying.md)
- [Query Optimization for Metrics](/academy/courses/query-optimization-for-metrics.md)
- [Metrics Explorer](/investigate/querying/metrics/explorer.md)
- [Generate queries using natural language](/investigate/querying/natural-language.md)
- [Troubleshooting missing metrics](/investigate/querying/metrics/troubleshooting.md)


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