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Conversation modes

Modes control how technical Strata's answers are — whether it shows SQL and database vocabulary, or hides them and explains in plain language.

The three modes

ModeBest forWhat you get
AutoMost users (default)Strata reads the room. Technical questions get technical answers with visible SQL; casual questions get plain-language replies.
TechnicalAnalysts, developers, DBAsEvery SQL query Strata runs appears in a fenced sql code block in the response. Strata uses precise database vocabulary (cardinality, predicate, clustered index, hash join, CTE, sargability, etc.) and schema-qualified names.
SimpleBusiness usersStrata still runs queries behind the scenes but never shows the SQL. Tables are called "lists", foreign keys are "connections", and every comparative result is shown as a chart.

Auto is the default for new users.

Switching modes

  1. Click the plus button (+) on the left of the composer.
  2. Hover or click Mode to open the sub-menu.
  3. Choose Auto, Technical, or Simple.

The selected mode shows a checkmark. Your choice is saved with the current conversation and carries over to new chats you start in the same session. It isn't stored as an account-wide default, so a fresh browser session starts back in Auto unless your organization forces a mode.

Note

The mode picker lives in the composer's plus menu, not in Settings. Each conversation keeps its own mode, so changing it in one chat doesn't rewrite chats you've already had.

When your organization sets the mode

An administrator can force a single conversation mode for everyone in the organization. When that's in effect:

  • The Mode entry in the plus menu shows the forced mode with "Set by your organization" and can't be changed.
  • Every prompt runs in that mode regardless of what the composer shows — the server applies the org policy on each request.

If you expected to switch modes but can't, your organization has standardized on one. Ask an administrator if you need a different mode.

How mode interacts with the SQL Server extension

  • Auto and Technical are most useful when a SQL Server extension is connected — they give you direct visibility into the queries Strata runs against your data.
  • Simple works in either case but is most natural for business users who do not need to see SQL.
  • All three modes work without any database connected. Strata answers from general knowledge, uploaded files, and connected extensions like Outlook and OneDrive.

Picking a mode for your role

  • Analyst or developer. Use Technical so every query is reviewable and you can copy SQL into your own tools.
  • Executive or business user. Use Simple for narrative answers and automatic charts.
  • Mixed team or you switch between roles. Use Auto and let Strata adapt to each question.

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