Summary

Users who want to perform a simple search still rely heavily on KQL, but today there’s no direct way to convert KQL into ES|QL inside the editor. This creates friction, slows adoption of ES|QL, and forces manual rewrites. Introducing a lightweight in-editor Visor that accepts simple search input and generates the corresponding ES|QL query using WHERE KQL("") gives users a familiar entry point, removes unnecessary switching between tools, and makes ES|QL easier and faster to use.

Expected behaviors

• Users can open a Visor panel from within the ES|QL editor by clicking "Quick search (⌘ K)" link in the editor footer or use keyboard shortcut : ⌘ K

The Visor includes:

• A data source selector
• A search input bar
• When the user submits a search input, the Visor generates the corresponding ES|QL query using WHERE KQL("").
• The generated ES|QL is inserted directly into the editor and removes any previous ESIQL query. (If the ES|Ql query has been executed, then the user can find it in the query history beneath the editor).
• The Visor hides automatically when users return focus to the ES|QL editor and can be reopened via a keyboard shortcut or button.

Additional Notes

• The simplified input is part of the initiative to make ES|QL the default experience in Discover.

See PRD/Specifications

• Simplified Search in ES|QL for job stories, acceptance criteria, planning, examples etc.

Design UI/UX - In progress

• Figma