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FlipsideAI operates in different modes depending on your question and the type of data you need. Understanding these modes helps you get the right results faster.

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Overview of modes

General Mode

Flexible, conversational analysis for exploratory questions

Workflow Mode

Structured, expert methodologies for complex analyses

Live Query Mode

Real-time blockchain node/API data for current state queries

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General Mode

Default mode for most conversations. FlipsideAI interprets your question, generates a plan, writes queries, and produces results.

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How it works

1

Question interpretation

FlipsideAI analyzes your prompt and identifies intent
2

Table schema lookup

Matches your question to available Flipside data tables
3

Query generation

Writes SQL queries to extract the relevant data
4

Execution & analysis

Runs queries and generates explanatory text, charts, or tables

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Best for

  • Exploratory research
  • One-off questions
  • Flexible, iterative analysis
  • Custom approaches that don’t fit standard frameworks

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Example

You: "Show me DEX activity on Base over the past month"

FlipsideAI:
1. Identifies relevant tables (base.defi.ez_dex_swaps)
2. Writes query for 30-day DEX activity
3. Generates summary and visualizations
4. Presents results

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Characteristics

  • Flexible: Adapts to your specific needs
  • Conversational: Responds naturally to follow-ups
  • Non-deterministic: Same question might yield slightly different approaches on different runs
  • Exploratory: Great for discovering insights you didn’t know to look for

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Workflow Mode

Specialized mode using pre-trained, expert methodologies. Triggered automatically when FlipsideAI detects a match, or manually via @ selection.

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How it works

1

Workflow detection

FlipsideAI identifies that your question matches a specialized Workflow
2

Methodology application

Applies a pre-defined, structured analytical approach
3

Step-by-step execution

Follows a consistent set of steps (quasi-deterministic)
4

Formatted output

Presents results according to the Workflow’s structure

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Best for

  • Complex, multi-step analyses
  • Comparative studies requiring consistency
  • Recurring analyses (monthly reports, protocol monitoring)
  • Situations where expert methodology matters

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Example

You: "Compare TVL for Aave vs Compound over Q1 2024"

FlipsideAI: Using workflow: TVL comparative analysis

1. Identifies all assets in each protocol
2. Calculates TVL using consistent methodology
3. Handles LP tokens and multi-asset pools
4. Validates against external benchmarks
5. Generates side-by-side comparison with standardized metrics

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Characteristics

  • Structured: Follows a predetermined approach
  • Consistent: Same question yields same methodology
  • Quasi-deterministic: Results are reproducible
  • Expert-level: Codifies best practices for specific analyses
Learn more in Workflows.

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Live Query Mode

Real-time mode for querying current blockchain state directly from nodes or APIs. Use this when historical data isn’t enough.

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How it works

1

Live data request

You explicitly request “live query” or current state data
2

Node/API access

FlipsideAI queries blockchain nodes or APIs directly (not Flipside’s historical tables)
3

Real-time results

Returns current balances, pool states, prices, etc.

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Best for

  • Current balances: “What’s the WETH balance of this address right now?”
  • Live pool state: “What’s the current liquidity in this Uniswap pool?”
  • Real-time pricing: “What’s the current price of ETH across DEXs?”
  • Comparing live vs historical: “How does current TVL compare to yesterday’s?”

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Example

You: "Use live query to get the WETH balance for 0x123...abc"

FlipsideAI:
1. Queries Ethereum node directly
2. Returns current balance (not historical snapshot)
3. Can combine with historical data for comparison

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Characteristics

  • Real-time: Data is current as of query execution
  • Node-dependent: Speed depends on node response time
  • Explicit trigger: You must request “live query” mode
  • Limited scope: Only works for current state queries, not historical trends
Live Query Mode is not enabled by default. You must explicitly ask for it: - “Use live query to…” - “Get the current balance…” - “Query the node for…”

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How modes interact

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Combining modes

You can mix modes within a single conversation: 
1. [General Mode] "Show me historical DEX volumes on Arbitrum"
2. [Live Query Mode] "Now use live query to get current liquidity in those pools"
3. [Workflow Mode] "Compare this to Ethereum using the TVL Workflow"

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Mode switching

FlipsideAI switches modes automatically based on context:
  • General → Workflow: When it detects a matching Workflow
  • General → Live Query: When you explicitly request real-time data
  • Workflow → General: When you ask follow-up questions outside the Workflow’s scope

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Overriding modes

You can force a specific mode:
  • Avoid Workflows: “Don’t use a Workflow, I want a custom approach”
  • Force Live Query: “Use live query mode for this”
  • Request general mode: “Ignore specialized Workflows, just give me a quick answer”

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System workflow explained

Here’s what happens under the hood when you ask a question:
1

1. Workflow detection

System checks: Does this match a pre-trained Workflow?
  • Yes → Trigger Workflow Mode
  • No → Continue to step 2
2

2. Mode determination

  • Does the user request “live query”? → Live Query Mode - Is this a standard question? → General Mode
3

3. Table schema lookup

Identify which Flipside tables contain relevant data
4

4. Query generation

Write SQL based on: - Available tables - User’s question - Workflow instructions (if applicable) - Rules (if set)
5

5. Execution

Run queries and retrieve results
6

6. Results processing

Generate:

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Choosing the right mode

  • You’re exploring and don’t know exactly what you’re looking for
  • The question is straightforward and doesn’t need expert methodology
  • You want maximum flexibility
  • You’re iterating quickly

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Pro tips

For unfamiliar topics:
  1. Start with General Mode to explore
  2. Once you understand the landscape, use Workflows for deep dives
"Show me historical USDC transfer volumes on Arbitrum for the past 90 days,
then use live query to get current balances for the top 10 holders"
This gives you trend context + real-time state.
If you’re unsure:
  • “Are you using a Workflow for this?”
  • “Is this live data or historical?”
  • “What tables are you querying?”
FlipsideAI will explain its approach.
Rules apply regardless of mode:
  • Set a “presentation-ready” Rule → works in General, Workflow, and Live Query modes
  • Rules control how results are presented; modes control what analysis is performed

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Next steps

Workflows

Deep dive into specialized Workflow Mode

Effective prompting

Craft prompts that trigger the right mode

Data & results

Validate and work with results from any mode

Troubleshooting

Fix common issues across modes