Convex Backend Guidelines

---
name: convex-backend-31215cd5f501
description: Convex backend development guidelines. Use when writing Convex functions, schemas, queries, mutations, actions, or any backend code in a Convex project. Triggers on tasks involving Convex database operations, real-time subscriptions, file storage, or serverless functions.
---

# Convex Backend Guidelines

### When to Load

- **Trigger**: Convex-specific development, writing Convex functions, schemas, queries, mutations, actions, or real-time subscriptions
- **Skip**: Project does not use Convex as its backend

Comprehensive guide for building Convex backends with TypeScript. Covers function syntax, validators, schemas, queries, mutations, actions, scheduling, and file storage.

## When to Apply

Reference these guidelines when:

- Writing new Convex functions (queries, mutations, actions)
- Defining database schemas and validators
- Implementing real-time data fetching
- Setting up cron jobs or scheduled functions
- Working with file storage
- Designing API structure

## Rule Categories

| Category          | Impact   | Description                                   |
| ----------------- | -------- | --------------------------------------------- |
| Function Syntax   | CRITICAL | New function syntax with args/returns/handler |
| Validators        | CRITICAL | Type-safe argument and return validation      |
| Schema Design     | HIGH     | Table definitions, indexes, system fields     |
| Query Patterns    | HIGH     | Efficient data fetching with indexes          |
| Mutation Patterns | MEDIUM   | Database writes, patch vs replace             |
| Action Patterns   | MEDIUM   | External API calls, Node.js runtime           |
| Scheduling        | MEDIUM   | Crons and delayed function execution          |
| File Storage      | LOW      | Blob storage and metadata                     |

## Quick Reference

### Function Registration

```typescript
// Public functions (exposed to clients)
import { query, mutation, action } from "./_generated/server";

// Internal functions (only callable from other Convex functions)
import {
  internalQuery,
  internalMutation,
  internalAction,
} from "./_generated/server";
```

### Function Syntax (Always Use This)

```typescript
export const myFunction = query({
  args: { name: v.string() },
  returns: v.string(),
  handler: async (ctx, args) => {
    return "Hello " + args.name;
  },
});
```

### Common Validators

| Type     | Validator                         | Example       |
| -------- | --------------------------------- | ------------- |
| String   | `v.string()`                      | `"hello"`     |
| Number   | `v.number()`                      | `3.14`        |
| Boolean  | `v.boolean()`                     | `true`        |
| ID       | `v.id("tableName")`               | `doc._id`     |
| Array    | `v.array(v.string())`             | `["a", "b"]`  |
| Object   | `v.object({...})`                 | `{name: "x"}` |
| Optional | `v.optional(v.string())`          | `undefined`   |
| Union    | `v.union(v.string(), v.number())` | `"x"` or `1`  |
| Literal  | `v.literal("status")`             | `"status"`    |
| Null     | `v.null()`                        | `null`        |

### Function References

```typescript
// Public functions
import { api } from "./_generated/api";
api.example.myQuery; // convex/example.ts → myQuery

// Internal functions
import { internal } from "./_generated/api";
internal.example.myInternalMutation;
```

### Query with Index

```typescript
// Schema
messages: defineTable({...}).index("by_channel", ["channelId"])

// Query
await ctx.db
  .query("messages")
  .withIndex("by_channel", (q) => q.eq("channelId", channelId))
  .order("desc")
  .take(10);
```

### Key Rules

1. **Always include `args` and `returns` validators** on all functions
2. **Use `v.null()` for void returns** - never omit return validator
3. **Use `withIndex()` not `filter()`** - define indexes in schema
4. **Use `internalQuery/Mutation/Action`** for private functions
5. **Actions cannot access `ctx.db`** - use runQuery/runMutation instead
6. **Include type annotations** when calling functions in same file

## Full Compiled Document

For the complete guide with all rules and detailed code examples, see [AGENTS.md](AGENTS.md).