convex-functions
This Convex Functions skill teaches developers how to implement queries, mutations, actions, and HTTP endpoints in Convex with proper argument validation, error handling, and runtime considerations. Use this skill when building backend functions for a Convex application that require data fetching, modifications, external API integrations, or webhook handling.
git clone --depth 1 https://github.com/waynesutton/convexskills /tmp/convex-functions && cp -r /tmp/convex-functions/skills/convex-functions ~/.claude/skills/convex-functionsSKILL.md
# Convex Functions
Master Convex functions including queries, mutations, actions, and HTTP endpoints with proper validation, error handling, and runtime considerations.
## Code Quality
All examples in this skill comply with @convex-dev/eslint-plugin rules:
- Object syntax with `handler` property
- Argument validators on all functions
- Explicit table names in database operations
See the Code Quality section in [convex-best-practices](../convex-best-practices/SKILL.md) for linting setup.
## Documentation Sources
Before implementing, do not assume; fetch the latest documentation:
- Primary: https://docs.convex.dev/functions
- Query Functions: https://docs.convex.dev/functions/query-functions
- Mutation Functions: https://docs.convex.dev/functions/mutation-functions
- Actions: https://docs.convex.dev/functions/actions
- HTTP Actions: https://docs.convex.dev/functions/http-actions
- For broader context: https://docs.convex.dev/llms.txt
## Instructions
### Function Types Overview
| Type | Database Access | External APIs | Caching | Use Case |
| ----------- | ------------------------ | ------------- | ------------- | --------------------- |
| Query | Read-only | No | Yes, reactive | Fetching data |
| Mutation | Read/Write | No | No | Modifying data |
| Action | Via runQuery/runMutation | Yes | No | External integrations |
| HTTP Action | Via runQuery/runMutation | Yes | No | Webhooks, APIs |
### Queries
Queries are reactive, cached, and read-only:
```typescript
import { query } from "./_generated/server";
import { v } from "convex/values";
export const getUser = query({
args: { userId: v.id("users") },
returns: v.union(
v.object({
_id: v.id("users"),
_creationTime: v.number(),
name: v.string(),
email: v.string(),
}),
v.null(),
),
handler: async (ctx, args) => {
return await ctx.db.get("users", args.userId);
},
});
// Query with index
export const listUserTasks = query({
args: { userId: v.id("users") },
returns: v.array(
v.object({
_id: v.id("tasks"),
_creationTime: v.number(),
title: v.string(),
completed: v.boolean(),
}),
),
handler: async (ctx, args) => {
return await ctx.db
.query("tasks")
.withIndex("by_user", (q) => q.eq("userId", args.userId))
.order("desc")
.collect();
},
});
```
### Mutations
Mutations modify the database and are transactional:
```typescript
import { mutation } from "./_generated/server";
import { v } from "convex/values";
import { ConvexError } from "convex/values";
export const createTask = mutation({
args: {
title: v.string(),
userId: v.id("users"),
},
returns: v.id("tasks"),
handler: async (ctx, args) => {
// Validate user exists
const user = await ctx.db.get("users", args.userId);
if (!user) {
throw new ConvexError("User not found");
}
return await ctx.db.insert("tasks", {
title: args.title,
userId: args.userId,
completed: false,
createdAt: Date.now(),
});
},
});
export const deleteTask = mutation({
args: { taskId: v.id("tasks") },
returns: v.null(),
handler: async (ctx, args) => {
await ctx.db.delete("tasks", args.taskId);
return null;
},
});
```
### Actions
Actions can call external APIs but have no direct database access:
```typescript
"use node";
import { action } from "./_generated/server";
import { v } from "convex/values";
import { api, internal } from "./_generated/api";
export const sendEmail = action({
args: {
to: v.string(),
subject: v.string(),
body: v.string(),
},
returns: v.object({ success: v.boolean() }),
handler: async (ctx, args) => {
// Call external API
const response = await fetch("https://api.email.com/send", {
method: "POST",
headers: { "Content-Type": "application/json" },
body: JSON.stringify(args),
});
return { success: response.ok };
},
});
// Action calling queries and mutations
export const processOrder = action({
args: { orderId: v.id("orders") },
returns: v.null(),
handler: async (ctx, args) => {
// Read data via query
const order = await ctx.runQuery(api.orders.get, { orderId: args.orderId });
if (!order) {
throw new Error("Order not found");
}
// Call external payment API
const paymentResult = await processPayment(order);
// Update database via mutation
await ctx.runMutation(internal.orders.updateStatus, {
orderId: args.orderId,
status: paymentResult.success ? "paid" : "failed",
});
return null;
},
});
```
### HTTP Actions
HTTP actions handle webhooks and external requests:
```typescript
// convex/http.ts
import { httpRouter } from "convex/server";
import { httpAction } from "./_generated/server";
import { api, internal } from "./_generated/api";
const http = httpRouter();
// Webhook endpoint
http.route({
path: "/webhooks/stripe",
method: "POST",
handler: httpAction(async (ctx, request) => {
const signature = request.headers.get("stripe-signature");
const body = await request.text();
// Verify webhook signature
if (!verifyStripeSignature(body, signature)) {
return new Response("Invalid signature", { status: 401 });
}
const event = JSON.parse(body);
// Process webhook
await ctx.runMutation(internal.payments.handleWebhook, {
eventType: event.type,
data: event.data,
});
return new Response("OK", { status: 200 });
}),
});
// API endpoint
http.route({
path: "/api/users/:userId",
method: "GET",
handler: httpAction(async (ctx, request) => {
const url = new URL(request.url);
const userId = url.pathname.split("/").pop();
const user = await ctx.runQuery(api.users.get, {
userId: userId as Id<"users">,
});Prevent feature creep when building software, apps, and AI-powered products. Use this skill when planning features, reviewing scope, building MVPs, managing backlogs, or when a user says "just one more feature." Helps developers and AI agents stay focused, ship faster, and avoid bloated products.
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