# Overview

Learn how to access properties using selectors.

The bracket notation is another way to access properties in CQL, and it is particularly useful when the property name is not a [valid identifier](/reference/cql/syntax#identifiers) or when you want to use \[selectors]/reference/cql/expressions/accessors/bracket/selectors).

Unlike the dot notation, the bracket notation supports any property name, including those that are not a [valid identifier](/reference/cql/syntax#identifiers).

The syntax consists of the variable name followed by a [selector](/reference/cql/expressions/accessors/bracket/selectors) enclosed in square brackets (`[` and `]`):

```cql
subject[/*<selector>*/]
```

Here is a basic example that accesses the `interests` property of the `user` variable:

```cql
user['interests']
```

You can also use numeric indexes to access items from a list:

```cql
user.interests[0]
```

Although this notation supports arbitrary property names and selectors, it may still not be the best choice for all scenarios.

**Consider using the bracket notation when:**

- The property name is not a [valid identifier](/reference/cql/syntax#identifiers) or is not known in advance.
- You need to access items from a list using numeric indexes.
- You want to leverage the power of [selectors](/reference/cql/expressions/accessors/bracket/selectors).
- Anyone reading the queries is familiar with this notation.
- You prefer to stick to a single notation throughout your queries.

## Explore

- [Selectors](/reference/cql/expressions/accessors/bracket/selectors): Discover the different specifiers you can use inside brackets to access properties.
- [Identifiers](/reference/cql/syntax#identifiers): Learn how to identify variables, functions, or other user-defined elements in CQL.