A computer-implemented method and system for searching over queries, writing and performing a data query. The computer-implemented method includes analyzing the query to understand elements described in the query. Further, the computer-implemented method includes extracting aliases for expressions to identify alternate names. Furthermore, the computer-implemented method includes allowing a user to annotate the elements. Moreover, the computer-implemented method includes establishing whether the query contains content for defining a new query, and if so, then enables writing a query according to a shorthand system.