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IRQL Graph Functions

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Transform KQL/IRQL results into visual graphs for Kusto Explorer.

by microsoft1.4k stars on microsoft/azure-skills
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Updated Aug 10, 2026
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What IRQL Graph Functions does

The IRQL Graph Functions skill enables users to visualize query results from Kusto Query Language (KQL) or IRQL by applying a set of graph functions specifically designed for Kusto Explorer. This skill focuses on transforming tabular data into graphical representations, allowing for better insights and understanding of complex data relationships. Users can provide a working KQL or IRQL query along with a description of how they want the graph to be structured, and the skill will generate the necessary graph mappings and visualizations.

This skill is particularly useful for data analysts and developers who work with Azure Data Explorer and need to visualize their query results quickly. By utilizing functions such as Lift_To_Graph and Graph_Render_View, users can convert their data into icon-decorated graphs, making it easier to interpret and present findings. Furthermore, the skill supports additional operations like folding nodes based on shared properties and enriching graph data with specific attributes, which enhances the visualization's depth and usability.

While the skill excels in visualizing existing KQL/IRQL results, it is essential to note that it does not convert natural language into KQL or IRQL queries. Users must have a valid query ready to leverage this skill effectively. For more complex queries requiring natural language input, a separate query-generation skill should be used prior to applying this skill. Overall, this tool streamlines the process of creating visual representations of data, making it a valuable addition for users of Kusto Explorer.

When to use it

Use this skill when you have existing KQL or IRQL results and need to create a visual representation in Kusto Explorer.

When not to use it

This skill is not suitable for generating KQL or IRQL queries from natural language; use a dedicated query-generation skill for that purpose.

What you can build with it

Visualizing Network Data

Transform KQL results from network logs into a visual graph to identify connections and patterns.

Analyzing User Behavior

Use IRQL queries to visualize user interactions and behaviors in a graphical format for better insights.

Presenting Data Relationships

Create icon-decorated graphs from query results to effectively present data relationships during meetings.

How to install IRQL Graph Functions

View source

1. Install with the skills CLI

npx skills add microsoft/azure-skills/azure-kusto-irql-graph --agent claude-code

2. Or install it manually

Download the skill folder and drop it into ~/.claude/skills/ for all projects, or .claude/skills/ to scope it to one repo. Restart Claude Code so it picks up the new skill.

Anthropic's agentic coding CLI, and the reference implementation of Agent Skills. Drop a skill folder into ~/.claude/skills and Claude Code loads it automatically whenever a task matches the skill's description. Claude Code docs

Inside SKILL.md

Written by microsoft

IRQL Graph Functions -- Query Results to Visualization

Apply the IRQL graph function family to tabular results. Given a KQL or IRQL query and the user's graph description, generate a Lift_To_Graph mapping and compose only the stored graph functions needed to visualize, fold, extract, or enrich the graph in Kusto Explorer. The source query does not need to use IRQL.

Scope and Routing

RequestUse
Turn supplied KQL/IRQL rows into an icon-decorated visual graphThis skill: Lift_To_Graph + Graph_Render_View
Fold nodes or apply Extract_Node_*, Enrich_Node_*, or Enrich_Graph_*This skill
Use make-graph, graph-match, shortest paths, connected components, graph models, or snapshotsazure-kusto-graph
Author a non-trivial KQL/IRQL investigation from natural languageA Kusto or IRQL query-generation skill, then this skill

If a request mixes visualization and native graph analysis, use this skill for the lift/render portion and azure-kusto-graph for operator semantics. Do not replace graph-lift functions with a hand-built edges-first graph unless the user asks for native graph operators.

Input Contract

  • Preferred input: a working KQL/IRQL query that produces tabular results, plus a natural-language description of the desired nodes, edges, labels, icons, extracts, enrichments, or folds.
  • This skill is not a natural-language-to-KQL or NL-to-IRQL converter. It transforms existing query results into graph visualizations. For general NL-to-KQL or NL-to-IRQL conversion, use a dedicated query-generation skill (available separately).
  • Preserve the supplied query's retrieval, joins, filters, and aggregations. Add only projections or synthetic IDs required by the graph mapping.
  • A basic natural-language source request is supported only when it maps directly to one known table or IRQL Get_* selector with obvious columns and simple filters. State the assumed source, and do not invent joins, schema, or investigation logic.
  • For non-trivial query construction, use a separate Kusto/IRQL query-generation skill first, then apply this skill to its output.
  • If no query or output schema is available and the source is not trivial, request the KQL query or its result columns before generating a mapping.

Activation Triggers

Use this skill when the user:

  • Supplies KQL/IRQL results and asks for an IRQL graph visualization or mapping
  • Mentions Lift_To_Graph, Graph_Render_View, or Graph_Fold_By_Property
  • Asks for icon-decorated node/edge mappings in Kusto Explorer
  • Wants to fold/collapse nodes by a shared property
  • Requests graph extraction or enrichment through Extract_Node_*, Enrich_Node_*, or Enrich_Graph_*

Do not activate this skill solely for graph-match, graph paths/components, persistent graphs, or generic make-graph construction; those belong to azure-kusto-graph.

Not a natural-language-to-KQL/IRQL converter. The input should generally be a working KQL or IRQL query whose results need graph visualization. Basic NL source requests work only for trivial single-table/selector cases. For general NL-to-KQL or NL-to-IRQL, use a dedicated query-generation skill (available separately).

Environment

  • Cluster: https://kc7001.eastus.kusto.windows.net
  • Databases: ValdyTimes, JoJosHospital (graph functions pre-deployed)
  • Rendering: Kusto Explorer desktop app (make-graph visualization window)
  • Tool: kusto_query (via Azure MCP Server)

Function Preflight

Lift_To_Graph and Graph_Render_View are stored functions, not built-in Kusto operators. Before generating or running a lift pipeline against a target database, check what is deployed:

.show functions
| where Name in~ ("Lift_To_Graph", "Graph_Render_View", "Graph_Fold_By_Property")
| project Name
  • Lift_To_Graph and Graph_Render_View are required.
  • Graph_Fold_By_Property is required only when folding is requested.
  • Check any Extract_Node_*, Enrich_Node_*, or Enrich_Graph_* function before using it; omit optional enrichment when unavailable unless the user wants it deployed.
  • If a required function is missing and you have permission to alter the database, ask the user for confirmation before deploying. Then use the .create-or-alter function definitions in references/DEPLOY_IRQL_FUNCTIONS.md. Run the relevant .create-or-alter block, then rerun the preflight check to confirm.
  • If you do not have alter permissions, tell the user which functions are missing and point them to references/DEPLOY_IRQL_FUNCTIONS.md for manual deployment.

IRQL Graph Function Family

Lift_To_Graph(T, mappingJson)

Transforms any tabular KQL result into a unified node + edge table.

Input: Any table T + a JSON mapping string. Output: Rows with EntityType = "node" or "edge", ready for make-graph.

Graph_Render_View(T)

Takes Lift_To_Graph output, splits nodes/edges, and calls make-graph to open Kusto Explorer's graph window.

Graph_Fold_By_Property(T, NodeType, PropertyName)

Collapses nodes of a given type sharing a property value into a single node. Rewires edges automatically.

Graph Extraction and Enrichment Functions

These are additional stored functions that must already be deployed on the target database. They are not bundled in references/DEPLOY_IRQL_FUNCTIONS.md. Use .show functions to verify availability before including in a pipeline.

FunctionOperationKey Property
Extract_Node_Email_Sender_Domain(T, displayName)Adds Domain to node propsEmailSender
Extract_Node_Employee_Firstname(T, displayName)Adds Firstname to node propsName
Extract_Node_Event_Network_Domain(T, displayName)Adds DomainName to node propsUrl
Enrich_Node_Ip_Employee(T, displayName)Adds employee info to IP nodesClientIp
Enrich_Node_Username_Employee(T, displayName)Adds employee info to user nodesUsername
Enrich_Node_Event_Authentication_Username(T, displayName)Adds auth contextUsername
Enrich_Node_Ip_Domain(T, displayName)Adds DNS domainsClientIp
Enrich_Node_Ip_Event_NetworkOutbound(T, displayName)Adds outbound eventsClientIp
Enrich_Graph_Ip_Employee(T, mappingJson)Expands graph with employee nodesClientIp
Enrich_Graph_Username_Employee(T, mappingJson)Expands graph with employee nodesUsername
Enrich_Graph_Event_Authentication_Username(T, mappingJson)Expands with auth nodesUsername

Mapping JSON Schema

The JSON mapping has two arrays: node_types and edges.

node_types[]

FieldRequiredDescription
typeYesNode type label (e.g. "User", "Host", "IP")
idYesPrefix for node ID; usually same as type
keyYesColumn name whose value becomes the node's identity
propsYesArray of columns to carry as node properties
defaultsNoObject of fallback values for null/empty properties
defIconNoDefault icon URL for this node type
displayNameNoColumn to use for display label (defaults to id)
colorNoColumn to source color from
sizeNoColumn to source size from

edges[]

FieldRequiredDescription
typeYesEdge type label (e.g. "AuthenticatesTo", "SentEmail")
sourceYes{"id": "<prefix>", "type": "<NodeType>"}
targetYes{"id": "<prefix>", "type": "<NodeType>"}
propsNoArray of columns to carry as edge properties
displayNameNoColumn for edge label
colorNoColumn for edge color

Icon Repository

Use icons from https://raw.githubusercontent.com/benc-uk/icon-collection/master/azure-icons/:

  • IP: Public-IP-Addresses-(Classic).svg
  • Host/VM: Virtual-Machine.svg
  • User: Users.svg
  • Email: Mailbox.svg (or azure-cds/command-1070-Mail.svg)
  • Process: App-Services.svg
  • File: Storage-Accounts.svg
  • Alert: Activity-Log.svg
  • Domain: DNS-Zones.svg

Mapping Generation Rules

Given the supplied query columns and the user's graph description, generate the mapping JSON by:

  1. Identify entities -> each distinct noun becomes a node_type
  2. Identify relationships -> each verb/preposition becomes an edge
  3. Map to columns -> use actual columns produced by the supplied query; never assume unavailable columns
  4. Set direction -> source is the actor, target is the acted-upon
  5. Add properties -> include columns relevant to investigation (timestamps, results, hashes)
  6. Assign icons -> pick from the icon set above based on entity type

Column Reference (IRQL unified schema)

EntityKey ColumnAvailable Props
UserUsernameUsername, Name, Role, Email
HostHostnameHostname
IPClientIpClientIp
Email MessageSubjectEnvTime, Subject, Verdict, Url
SenderEmailSenderEmailSender, Domain
RecipientEmailRecipientEmailRecipient
ProcessProcessNameEnvTime, ProcessName, ProcessCommandLine, ProcessHash
FileFilenameEnvTime, Filename, Path, Sha256
DomainDomainNameDomainName
Auth Event(synthetic ID)EnvTime, UserAgent, Result, Description

Function Selection

  1. Start with the supplied KQL/IRQL tabular pipeline.
  2. Use Lift_To_Graph(mapping) to create graph entities.
  3. Add Extract_Node_*, Enrich_Node_*, or Enrich_Graph_* only when requested and compatible with the mapped keys.
  4. Add Graph_Fold_By_Property() only when grouping/collapse is requested.
  5. End visual output with Graph_Render_View().
  6. Preflight the exact stored functions selected for the pipeline.

Pipeline Pattern

// 1. Preserve the supplied KQL or IRQL query
<input query>
// 2. Lift to graph
| invoke Lift_To_Graph(<mapping_json>)
// 3. Optionally extract or enrich graph entities
| invoke <Extract_Node_* | Enrich_Node_* | Enrich_Graph_*>()
// 4. Optionally fold nodes when requested
| invoke Graph_Fold_By_Property("<NodeType>", "<PropertyName>")
// 5. Render
| invoke Graph_Render_View()

Examples

For additional prompts and worked examples, see references/EXAMPLES.md.

Authentication graph: IP -> AuthEvent -> User -> Host

Input query: Get_Event_Authentication_All | where Result == "Failed Login" | take 200

Graph request: "Show IPs, authentication events, users, and hosts; fold events by result."

let auth_mapping = '{"node_types":[{"type":"SrcIp","id":"SrcIp","key":"ClientIp","props":["ClientIp"],"defaults":{},"defIcon":"https://raw.githubusercontent.com/benc-uk/icon-collection/master/azure-icons/Public-IP-Addresses-(Classic).svg"},{"type":"Host","id":"Host","key":"Hostname","props":["Hostname"],"defaults":{},"defIcon":"https://raw.githubusercontent.com/benc-uk/icon-collection/master/azure-icons/Virtual-Machine.svg"},{"type":"User","id":"User","key":"Username","props":["Username"],"defaults":{},"defIcon":"https://raw.githubusercontent.com/benc-uk/icon-collection/master/azure-icons/Users.svg"},{"type":"AuthEvent","id":"AuthEvent","key":"AuthEventId","props":["AuthEventId","EnvTime","UserAgent","Result","Description"],"defaults":{"Result":"unknown"},"defIcon":"https://raw.githubusercontent.com/benc-uk/icon-collection/master/azure-icons/Activity-Log.svg"}],"edges":[{"type":"RequestsAuth","source":{"id":"SrcIp","type":"SrcIp"},"target":{"id":"AuthEvent","type":"AuthEvent"},"props":["EnvTime"]},{"type":"TargetsUser","source":{"id":"AuthEvent","type":"AuthEvent"},"target":{"id":"User","type":"User"},"props":["EnvTime"]},{"type":"AgainstHost","source":{"id":"AuthEvent","type":"AuthEvent"},"target":{"id":"Host","type":"Host"},"props":["EnvTime"]}]}';
Get_Event_Authentication_All
| extend AuthEventId = strcat(Username, "_", Hostname, "_", EnvTime)
| where Result == "Failed Login"
| take 200
| invoke Lift_To_Graph(auth_mapping)
| invoke Graph_Fold_By_Property("AuthEvent", "Result")
| invoke Graph_Render_View()

Email graph: Sender -> Message -> Recipient

Input query: Get_Email_All | take 400

Graph request: "Visualize sender-to-message-to-recipient flow and fold messages by verdict."

let mail_mapping = '{"node_types":[{"type":"EmailMessage","id":"Message","key":"Subject","props":["EnvTime","Subject","Verdict"],"defaults":{},"defIcon":"https://raw.githubusercontent.com/benc-uk/icon-collection/master/azure-icons/Media-File.svg"},{"type":"Sender","id":"Email","key":"EmailSender","props":["EmailSender"],"defaults":{},"defIcon":"https://raw.githubusercontent.com/benc-uk/icon-collection/master/azure-cds/command-1070-Mail.svg"},{"type":"Recipient","id":"Email","key":"EmailRecipient","props":["EmailRecipient"],"defaults":{},"defIcon":"https://raw.githubusercontent.com/benc-uk/icon-collection/master/azure-cds/command-1070-Mail.svg"}],"edges":[{"type":"SentBy","source":{"id":"Message","type":"EmailMessage"},"target":{"id":"Email","type":"Sender"},"props":["EnvTime","Verdict"]},{"type":"DeliveredTo","source":{"id":"Message","type":"EmailMessage"},"target":{"id":"Email","type":"Recipient"},"props":["EnvTime","Verdict"]}]}';
Get_Email_All
| take 400
| invoke Lift_To_Graph(mail_mapping)
| invoke Graph_Fold_By_Property("EmailMessage", "Verdict")
| invoke Graph_Render_View()

Suspicious domain investigation (end-to-end)

Basic source request: "Use outbound network events for these suspicious domains and graph IP-to-domain connections enriched with employee names."

This is the limited fallback: one known selector, one extractor, and one direct filter.

let suspicious_domain_mapping = '{"node_types":[{"type":"IP","id":"IP","key":"ClientIp","props":["ClientIp"],"defaults":{},"defIcon":"https://raw.githubusercontent.com/benc-uk/icon-collection/master/azure-icons/Public-IP-Addresses-(Classic).svg"},{"type":"Domain","id":"Domain","key":"DomainName","props":["DomainName"],"defaults":{},"defIcon":"https://raw.githubusercontent.com/benc-uk/icon-collection/master/azure-icons/DNS-Zones.svg"}],"edges":[{"type":"ConnectsTo","source":{"id":"IP","type":"IP"},"target":{"id":"Domain","type":"Domain"},"props":["EnvTime"]}]}';
Get_Event_NetworkOutbound
| invoke Extract_Event_Network_Domain()
| where DomainName has_any ("raisinkanes.com", "nothing-to-see-here.net", "totally-legit-domain.com")
| invoke Lift_To_Graph(suspicious_domain_mapping)
| invoke Enrich_Node_Ip_Employee("Name")
| invoke Graph_Fold_By_Property("Domain", "DomainName")
| invoke Graph_Render_View()

Process execution graph: User -> Process -> ParentProcess

Input query: Get_Event_Process_All | where ProcessCommandLine has "powershell" | take 300

Graph request: "Visualize process, parent process, host, and user relationships."

let proc_mapping = '{"node_types":[{"type":"Process","id":"Proc","key":"ProcessName","props":["ProcessName","ProcessCommandLine","ProcessHash"],"defaults":{},"defIcon":"https://raw.githubusercontent.com/benc-uk/icon-collection/master/azure-icons/App-Services.svg"},{"type":"ParentProcess","id":"Proc","key":"ParentProcessName","props":["ParentProcessName","ParentProcessHash"],"defaults":{},"defIcon":"https://raw.githubusercontent.com/benc-uk/icon-collection/master/azure-icons/App-Services.svg"},{"type":"Host","id":"Host","key":"Hostname","props":["Hostname"],"defaults":{},"defIcon":"https://raw.githubusercontent.com/benc-uk/icon-collection/master/azure-icons/Virtual-Machine.svg"},{"type":"User","id":"User","key":"Username","props":["Username"],"defaults":{},"defIcon":"https://raw.githubusercontent.com/benc-uk/icon-collection/master/azure-icons/Users.svg"}],"edges":[{"type":"SpawnedBy","source":{"id":"Proc","type":"Process"},"target":{"id":"Proc","type":"ParentProcess"},"props":["EnvTime"]},{"type":"RanOn","source":{"id":"Proc","type":"Process"},"target":{"id":"Host","type":"Host"},"props":["EnvTime"]},{"type":"ExecutedBy","source":{"id":"Proc","type":"Process"},"target":{"id":"User","type":"User"},"props":["EnvTime"]}]}';
Get_Event_Process_All
| where ProcessCommandLine has "powershell"
| take 300
| invoke Lift_To_Graph(proc_mapping)
| invoke Graph_Render_View()

Query Results -> Mapping Translation

When the user supplies a query and describes the graph:

  1. Inspect the query's final output columns
  2. Parse the entity nouns and relationship verbs
  3. Generate the mapping JSON using only those columns
  4. Preserve the supplied pipeline and append Lift_To_Graph()
  5. Include Graph_Render_View() at the end
  6. If the user mentions grouping/collapsing and the function exists, add Graph_Fold_By_Property()

Output the complete KQL -- the supplied query plus mapping JSON inline as a string let binding -- after the required-function preflight passes. Clearly mark unverified function dependencies when the target database cannot be checked.

Opening Queries in Kusto Explorer (Windows Only)

Optional convenience feature. The default workflow is to output the KQL in chat and let the user copy it into Kusto Explorer or the VS Code Kusto extension manually. Auto-launch is opt-in only.

Always output the complete KQL query in the chat response with Step 1 (connect) and Step 2 (query) clearly labeled:

// Step 1: Connect to your cluster (skip if already connected)
// Example: uncomment to connect to the KC7 training cluster
// #connect cluster('kc7001.eastus.kusto.windows.net').database('ValdyTimes')
// Or replace with your own cluster:
// #connect cluster('<YOUR_CLUSTER>').database('<YOUR_DATABASE>')

// Step 2: Run the query below
<KQL_QUERY>

If the user asks to save or open in Kusto Explorer, follow the procedure in references/KUSTO_EXPLORER_LAUNCH.md. Key rules:

  • Use ask_user to confirm before writing files or launching executables
  • Display file contents in chat so the user can review before opening
  • Never use shell interpolation or here-strings — write files via Set-Content/Add-Content
  • Never encode queries into browser URLs
  • On macOS/Linux, save the .kql file and suggest the VS Code Kusto extension or ADX Web Explorer

Frequently asked questions about IRQL Graph Functions

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