> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.cosmocloud.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.cosmocloud.io/examples-how-to/creating-dynamic-queries.md).

# Creating Dynamic Queries

## Method 1: Using $buildMap Operator

The $buildMap operator is a dynamic JSON object builder that allows for conditional key-value pair insertion based on specified conditions. This is particularly useful for creating query objects for databases or APIs where certain parameters may be optional.

### Step-by-Step Guide

* **Define the Conditions** : Identify the conditions under which you want certain key-value pairs to be included in the query object. For instance, you might want to include a key only if a certain query parameter is present and meets specific criteria.
* **Create the $buildMap JSON Object**: Use the `$buildMap` operator to define your conditions, keys, and values.

### Example

Let's create a query object that includes name, jobTitle, and age based on the presence and values of these parameters in the request.  

```typescript
{
  $buildMap: [
    {
      condition: {
        '$.request.queryParams.name': {
          $neq: null,
        },
      },
      key: 'name',
      value: '$.request.queryParams.name',
    },
    {
      condition: {
        '$.request.queryParams.jobTitle': {
          $neq: null,
        },
        key: 'jobTitle',
        value: '$.request.queryParams.jobTitle',
      },
    },
    {
      condition: {
        '$.request.queryParams.age': {
          $ge: 10,
        },
        key: 'age',
        value: '$.request.queryParams.age',
      },
    },
  ],
};
```

### Explanation

* The condition field contains a JSON object that defines the condition.
*  The key field specifies the key to be inserted in the query object if the condition is met.
*   The value field specifies the value to be assigned to the key.

### Example 1

Assuming `name` and `jobTitle` are not null and \`age\` is less than 10, the resulting JSON object will be:

<pre class="language-typescript"><code class="lang-typescript">{
  "name": "$.request.queryParams.name",
<strong>  "jobTitle": "$.request.queryParams.jobTitle"
</strong>}
</code></pre>

Note: The `age` key gets omitted as the condition we had specified was to include the key when age is greater than or equal to 10.

### Example 2

Now, let's assume that \`name\` is not being passed as a query parameter and therefore is `null`. We pass `jobTitle` as intern and `age` as 24.

The resulting JSON object will be:

<pre class="language-typescript"><code class="lang-typescript">{
<strong>  "jobTitle": "intern",
</strong>  "age": 24
}
</code></pre>

<br>

To know more about the **$buildMap** operator [click here](/flow-builder/cql-cosmocloud-query-language/building-expressions/usdbuildmap.md).

## Method 2: Using the buildMap Node

The buildMap node is used to create a new JSON object with optional key-value pairs based on specified conditions. This method is similar to the $buildMap operator but is implemented without using the operator.

### Step-by-Step Guide

1. Add a buildMap Node: Select the buildMap node to add it in your workflow.
2. &#x20;Configure the Node:
   1. &#x20;**Variable Name** : Specify the name of the JSON variable that will be created.
   2. **List of BuildMap Objects**: Click on Edit and define the list of buildmap objects, each containing a condition, key, and value.

### Example

Here's how you might configure the buildMap node to achieve the same result as the $buildMap operator example:

```typescript
 [
  {
    condition: {
      '$.request.queryParams.name': {
        $neq: null,
      },
    },
    key: 'name',
    value: '$.request.queryParams.name',
  },
  {
    condition: {
      '$.request.queryParams.jobTitle': {
        $neq: null,
      },
    },
    key: 'jobTitle',
    value: '$.request.queryParams.jobTitle',
  },
  {
    condition: {
      '$.request.queryParams.age': {
        $ge: 10,
      },
    },
    key: 'age',
    value: '$.request.queryParams.age',
  },
];
```

To know more about the **buildMap** node [click here](/flow-builder/node-types/variable-nodes/special/build-map.md).

\ <br>