Starting kdb+

This is a quick-start guide to kdb+, aimed primarily at those learning independently. It covers system installation, the kdb+ environment, IPC, tables and typical databases, and where to find more material. After completing this you should be able to follow the Borror textbook Q for Mortals, and the Reference.

One caution: you can learn kdb+ reasonably well by independent study, but for serious deployment of the product you need the help of a consultant. This is because kdb+ is typically used for very demanding applications that require experience to set up properly. Contact KX for help with such evaluations.

kdb+

The kdb+ system is both a database and a programming language.

• kdb+: the database (k database plus)
• q: a general-purpose programming language integrated with kdb+

Resources

code.kx.com

The best resource for learning q. It includes:

• Jeff Borror’s textbook Q for Mortals
• a Reference for the built-in functions
• interfaces with other languages and processes

GitHub

• the KxSystems repositories
• user-contributed repositories

Discussion groups

• The main discussion forum is the k4 Topicbox. This is available only to licensed customers – please use a work email address to apply for access.
• KX Community discussion forum is used to find answers, ask questions, and connect with our KX Community.

Install free system

If you do not already have access to a licensed copy, go to Get started to download and install q.

Graphical user interface

When q is run, it displays a console where you can enter commands and see the results. This is all you need to follow the tutorial, and if you just want to learn a little about q, then it is easiest to work in the console.

As you become more familiar with q, you may prefer to work in the interactive development environment KX Developer. (Kx Analyst is the enterprise version of Developer.)