A query expression allows you to search for specific zettel and perform actions on them. You may select zettel based on a list of identifiers, a query directive, a full-text search, specific metadata values, or any combination of these.
A query expression consists of an optional zettel identifier list, zero or more query directives, an optional search expression, and an optional action list. The latter two are separated by a vertical bar character (|, U+007C).
A query expression follows a formal syntax.
List of zettel identifier
Query directives
Context directive
Thread Directive
Ident directive
Items directive
Unlinked directive
Search expression
Search term
Search operator
Search value
Action list
Here are some examples thar can be used to manage a Zettelstore:
 Query Expression  Meaning
role:configuration All zettel that contain configuration data for the Zettelstore
ORDER REVERSE created LIMIT 40 40 recently created zettel
ORDER REVERSE published LIMIT 40 40 recently updated zettel
PICK 40 40 random zettel, ordered by zettel identifier
dead? Zettel with invalid / dead links
backward!? precursor!? Zettel that are not referenced by other zettel
tags!? Zettel without tags
expire? ORDER expire All zettel with an expiration date, ordered from the nearest to the latest
00001007700000 CONTEXT Zettel within the context of the given zettel
00001012051200 FOLGE Train of thought of the given zettel
PICK 1 | REDIRECT Redirect to a random zettel