N1QL, a SQL-like query language for JSON, was developed by Couchbase to facilitate the transition from traditional SQL databases to NoSQL environments by offering a familiar declarative syntax with added flexibility for JSON data manipulation. This has made N1QL a popular choice among developers and enterprises, as it supports ad hoc queries and complex data operations using a language that closely resembles SQL, thus easing the transition and reducing costs associated with re-training and rewriting data access layers. Over the years, N1QL has evolved with significant innovations such as ANSI joins, window functions, and support for analytics, ensuring high performance and scalability to meet the needs of modern applications. The upcoming Couchbase Connect.ONLINE event promises new features like collections support, a Cost Based Optimizer, and distributed transactions, which aim to further enhance N1QL's capabilities. Feedback from users highlights the challenges of transitioning to a JSON data model and the need for more documentation to aid in adapting to N1QL's distinct approach compared to traditional SQL databases.