Functions

Functions are the building blocks of logic. They can be used to perform actions, such as retrieving a record from the database, or generating a random number.

Adding a Function

Canvas View
Function Stack
XanoScript

Hover over a node and click the plus icon to insert a new function after it. You can also hover over the connecting lines to insert a function at that point in the flow.

visual-canvas-20251010-142619 — Adding new functions

In the panel that opens on the right, you can select the function you want to add. Use the search at the top, or navigate through the function categories.

Each function will have a different set of options available to you, so it’s best to consult that function’s specific documentation for more information.

Functions are defined in the stack block, placed immediately after the declaration and accompanying parameters, such as the description.

Example of the stack block and positioning

stack {
    db.query user {
        search = $db.user.name ==? $input.name
        return = {type: "list"}
    } as $model
}

Functions begin with a namespace — basically, a category that the function is a part of. Each namespace is followed by a period, with the function name immediately after. After that, you’ll declare any parameters the function requires. Functions can also have a description, which is optional.

Stack with function declaration

stack {
    function_namespace.function_name {
        description = "<description>"
        <parameter_name> = <parameter_value>
    }
}

Function Reference

Review all available functions below by selecting the section you’re interested in.

Database Requests

Database Requests are used to perform operations against your database tables, such as retrieving, creating, updating, and deleting records.

Data Manipulation

Data Manipulation is used to parse and manipulate data, such as looping, filtering, sorting, and transforming data.

Security

Security is used to secure your data, such as encrypting data, and validating data.

APIs and Lambdas

APIs and Lambdas are used to create APIs and lambdas, such as creating APIs and lambdas.

AI Tools

Functions for using AI and related tools, such as Agents, the Template Engine, and MCP Servers.

Data Caching (Redis)

Data Caching (Redis) is used to cache data, such as caching data in Redis.

Actions

Actions are reusable building blocks by the Xano team and community that you can use in your own workspace.

Custom Functions

Custom Functions contain all of the custom functions you’ve created.

Utility Functions

Utility Functions are used for things like debugging, error handling, grouping, and more.

File Storage

File Storage functions are used to store, retrieve, and manage files in your Xano files library.

Cloud Services

Cloud Services are used to connect to cloud services, such as Algolia, AWS OpenSearch, S3, and more.

Build

Test & Deploy

Team Collaboration

Integrations

Security

Tutorials

Enterprise

Agencies

Account and Settings

Legal

Adding a Function

Function Reference

Database Requests

Data Manipulation

Security

APIs and Lambdas

AI Tools

Data Caching (Redis)

Actions

Custom Functions

Utility Functions

File Storage

Cloud Services

​Adding a Function

​Function Reference

Database Requests

Data Manipulation

Security

APIs and Lambdas

AI Tools

Data Caching (Redis)

Actions

Custom Functions

Utility Functions

File Storage

Cloud Services

Adding a Function

Function Reference