Every query in Azure Cosmos DB has two jobs: finding the right partitions and identifying the right documents within them. Understanding how routing and indexing work together is the key to writing queries that are both fast and cost-efficient.

James Codella (Principal PM, Azure Cosmos DB) delivers a comprehensive guide to the query engine and indexing system:

• Query fundamentals — partition routing, indexing behavior, and reading query metrics
• SQL query language features — joins, aggregates, subqueries, and system functions
• Index types — range, composite, geospatial, full text, and vector indexes
• Index management — policies, builds, and rebuild considerations
• Advanced optimization — computed properties and identifying high-RU queries

Live demos throughout show the RU impact of indexed vs. non-indexed queries and how small indexing changes can significantly reduce cost.

👤 Connect with James Codella
📝 James is a Product Manager in Azure Cosmos DB working on NoSQL Query, vector search, and AI products. He has more than 15 years of experience working in data, analytics, and machine learning. He has a B.S. and an M. Eng. from Cornell University and a Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin - Madison in Operations Research. He currently lives near NYC with his wife and puppy.

💼 https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamescodella/
𝕏 https://x.com/jamescodella
🎤 https://developer.azurecosmosdb.com/conf/#speaker/james-codella

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Azure Cosmos DB Conf 2026 is a free virtual developer event focused on building modern, scalable applications with Azure Cosmos DB. Sessions feature Microsoft engineers, product teams, and members of the global developer community sharing real-world solutions and best practices.

Originally streamed on April 28, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM PT

🔗 Useful Links
• Explore all sessions on-demand — https://aka.ms/CosmosConf26Playlist
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Querying & Indexing in Azure Cosmos DB: Complete Guide | James Codella | Azure Cosmos DB Conf 2026