Skillshub convex-backend

Convex backend development guidelines. Use when writing Convex functions, schemas, queries, mutations, actions, or any backend code in a Convex project. Triggers on tasks involving Convex database operations, real-time subscriptions, file storage, or serverless functions.

install

source · Clone the upstream repo

git clone https://github.com/ComeOnOliver/skillshub

Claude Code · Install into ~/.claude/skills/

T=$(mktemp -d) && git clone --depth=1 https://github.com/ComeOnOliver/skillshub "$T" && mkdir -p ~/.claude/skills && cp -r "$T/skills/CloudAI-X/claude-workflow-v2/convex-backend" ~/.claude/skills/comeonoliver-skillshub-convex-backend && rm -rf "$T"

manifest: skills/CloudAI-X/claude-workflow-v2/convex-backend/SKILL.md

source content

Convex Backend Guidelines

When to Load

Trigger: Convex-specific development, writing Convex functions, schemas, queries, mutations, actions, or real-time subscriptions
Skip: Project does not use Convex as its backend

Comprehensive guide for building Convex backends with TypeScript. Covers function syntax, validators, schemas, queries, mutations, actions, scheduling, and file storage.

When to Apply

Reference these guidelines when:

Writing new Convex functions (queries, mutations, actions)
Defining database schemas and validators
Implementing real-time data fetching
Setting up cron jobs or scheduled functions
Working with file storage
Designing API structure

Rule Categories

Category	Impact	Description
Function Syntax	CRITICAL	New function syntax with args/returns/handler
Validators	CRITICAL	Type-safe argument and return validation
Schema Design	HIGH	Table definitions, indexes, system fields
Query Patterns	HIGH	Efficient data fetching with indexes
Mutation Patterns	MEDIUM	Database writes, patch vs replace
Action Patterns	MEDIUM	External API calls, Node.js runtime
Scheduling	MEDIUM	Crons and delayed function execution
File Storage	LOW	Blob storage and metadata

Quick Reference

Function Registration

// Public functions (exposed to clients)
import { query, mutation, action } from "./_generated/server";

// Internal functions (only callable from other Convex functions)
import {
  internalQuery,
  internalMutation,
  internalAction,
} from "./_generated/server";

Function Syntax (Always Use This)

export const myFunction = query({
  args: { name: v.string() },
  returns: v.string(),
  handler: async (ctx, args) => {
    return "Hello " + args.name;
  },
});

Common Validators

Type	Validator	Example
String	`v.string()`	`"hello"`
Number	`v.number()`	`3.14`
Boolean	`v.boolean()`	`true`
ID	`v.id("tableName")`	`doc._id`
Array	`v.array(v.string())`	`["a", "b"]`
Object	`v.object({...})`	`{name: "x"}`
Optional	`v.optional(v.string())`	`undefined`
Union	`v.union(v.string(), v.number())`	`"x"` or `1`
Literal	`v.literal("status")`	`"status"`
Null	`v.null()`	`null`

Function References

// Public functions
import { api } from "./_generated/api";
api.example.myQuery; // convex/example.ts → myQuery

// Internal functions
import { internal } from "./_generated/api";
internal.example.myInternalMutation;

Query with Index

// Schema
messages: defineTable({...}).index("by_channel", ["channelId"])

// Query
await ctx.db
  .query("messages")
  .withIndex("by_channel", (q) => q.eq("channelId", channelId))
  .order("desc")
  .take(10);

Key Rules

Always include
args
and
returns
validators on all functions
Use
v.null()
for void returns - never omit return validator
Use
withIndex()
not
filter()
- define indexes in schema
Use
internalQuery/Mutation/Action
for private functions
Actions cannot access
ctx.db
- use runQuery/runMutation instead
Include type annotations when calling functions in same file

Full Compiled Document

For the complete guide with all rules and detailed code examples, see:

AGENTS.md