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SQL FormatterSQL MinifierSyntax ValidatorJSON to SQLCSV to SQLSQL to JSONER Diagram Generator
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SQL Formatter

Beautify and standardize your SQL queries. Transform messy code into clean, readable SQL with customizable formatting options.

Options:
Input SQL
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Formatted SQL
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Professional SQL Formatter & Beautifier

Transform messy, unreadable SQL queries into clean, standardized code instantly. Our advanced SQL formatter supports multiple dialects and customizable styling options.

Intelligent Formatting

Our formatter doesn't just indent code; it understands SQL structure. It properly handles complex nested queries, JOIN clauses, subqueries, and window functions, ensuring your code structure reflects its logical flow.

Multi-Dialect Support

Whether you're using PostgreSQL, MySQL, SQLite, or Standard SQL, our tool adapts its formatting rules to match your specific database dialect, preserving dialect-specific syntax and keywords.

Mastering SQL Formatting: The Complete Guide

Structured Query Language (SQL) is the backbone of modern data interaction. However, as queries grow in complexity—spanning hundreds of lines with multiple `JOIN`s, subqueries, and window functions—readability becomes a critical challenge. Our SQL Formatter is designed to transform messy, unreadable code into a clean, standardized format instantly.

Why Formatting Matters

Formatting is not just about aesthetics; it is about code quality and maintainability.

  • Debugging Efficiency: Errors are easier to spot when clauses are aligned. A missing parenthesis or comma stands out in formatted code.
  • Team Collaboration: Enforcing a consistent style allows team members to read each other's queries without mental friction.
  • Code Review: Diffs are cleaner. If lines are split logically, version control systems show exactly what changed, rather than flagging entire blocks because of whitespace.

Supported SQL Dialects

SQL is not a monolith. Different databases have different keywords and syntax rules. Our tool supports:

  • Standard SQL: The ANSI standard syntax.
  • PostgreSQL: Handles specific features like `JSONB` operators, `ILIKE`, and array syntax.
  • MySQL/MariaDB: Respects backtick quoting and specific function names.
  • SQL Server (T-SQL): Formats brackets `[]` and T-SQL specific procedural code.
  • SQLite: Optimized for SQLite's lightweight syntax.

Formatting Styles: Block vs. River

There are two main schools of thought in SQL indentation, and our tool lets you verify which one suits your team best (currently defaulting to standard Block style).

Block Style (Standard)

Keywords are left-aligned. Columns and conditions are indented. This is the most common style for readability.

SELECT
    id,
    name
FROM
    users
WHERE
    active = 1

River Style

Keywords and columns form a "river" of whitespace down the middle. Visually pleasing but harder to maintain.

SELECT id, name
  FROM users
 WHERE active = 1

Best Practices for SQL Code

Beyond using a tool, adopting these habits will make you a better SQL developer:

  1. Capitalize Keywords: Use SELECT, WHERE, AS in uppercase. This makes the structure of the query immediately visible.
  2. Use Aliases (AS): Always alias your tables and columns, especially in joins. `SELECT u.name FROM users u` is clearer than relying on implicit names.
  3. Comment Your CTEs: Common Table Expressions (WITH clauses) should have comments explaining what logic they encapsulate.
  4. Trailing Commas: Some teams prefer leading commas for easier git diffs, but trailing commas are more standard. Consistency is key.

Deep Dive: How the Formatter Works

Under the hood, this tool acts as a compiler frontend.

  1. Lexer (Tokenizer): It scans your string and breaks it into tokens (Keywords, Identifiers, Operators, Literals).
  2. Parser: It analyzes the sequence of tokens to understand the grammatical structure (e.g., knowing that a list of columns follows `SELECT`).
  3. Printer: It reconstructs the SQL string by applying whitespace rules based on the token type and nesting level.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my data safe?

Absolutely. This SQL formatter runs 100% on the client side (in your browser). We do not have a backend server that receives your SQL queries. You can even disconnect from the internet and the tool will still work. Secure your sensitive business logic without worry.

Does it handle syntax errors?

The formatter creates a "best effort" format. If your SQL syntax is invalid (e.g., missing keywords), it might try to format it anyway or leave it as is. For strict checking, use our Syntax Validator first.

Can I format nested subqueries?

Yes! The tool excels at handling nested structures. It will recursively indent subqueries (queries inside parenthesis) so you can clearly see the data flow from the inner-most query to the outer result.

How do I format stored procedures?

Simply paste the full `CREATE PROCEDURE` or `CREATE FUNCTION` block. The formatter recognizes procedural blocks (BEGIN/END) and indents the logic inside them appropriately.

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