goqu
goqu: A Go SQL builder that compiles common statements and can execute queries and scan results. Ranked #15 of 51 in Database Query Builders by our editors (7.7/10); pricing: Free plan; best for go teams wanting query building and result scanning.
At a glance
- Editor score7.7 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forGo teams wanting query building and result scanning
- Free planYes
- Paid fromNone
- Type safetyOptional
- Facts checked4 Oct 2026
Where it wins
- Builds SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, and DELETE statements with a fluent API
- Compiles SQL and arguments for four built-in database dialects
- Includes query execution and result-scanning helpers for structs or primitives
Where it doesn't
- Focused on Go rather than serving as a language-agnostic query builder
- Type safety is optional, so it is not enforced across every query
- Its scope centers on SQL construction, execution, and scanning
Our verdict on goqu
For Go developers who want to construct SQL in application code, goqu combines a fluent query builder with an expression DSL. It supports SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, and DELETE statements, with expressions for identifiers, operators, joins, and conditions. Teams can build queries and inspect generated SQL before deciding how to execute them; database helpers are also available for running queries and scanning results. That makes it relevant to solo developers through enterprise teams working in Go, rather than to teams seeking a database-agnostic tool across programming languages.
A practical distinction is the boundary between building and running a query. ToSQL generates SQL text and arguments without executing anything, and prepared statements use dialect-specific placeholders. The built-in dialects cover MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQLite3, and SQL Server, while custom dialect registration allows extension beyond those defaults. Raw SQL is also an available escape hatch, and type safety is optional. This combination suits teams that want composable query construction but still need room to express SQL directly; it does not make type safety mandatory.
The library is open source and has a free plan, so its pricing model is straightforward for teams evaluating it for a Go codebase. Its appeal is strongest when SQL generation, execution helpers, and scanning into structs or primitive values belong in the same library. Teams using Go who want those capabilities can consider it; teams looking for a broader ecosystem beyond Go or required type safety should look for an alternative that fits those needs.
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goqu pricing
goqu fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | None |
| Languages | Go |
| SQL dialects | MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQLite3, SQL Server |
| Type safety | Optional |
| Async queries | Not verified |
| Raw SQL support | Yes |
| Compile without execution | Yes |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | doug-martin.github.io |
| Facts checked | 4 Oct 2026 |
Alternatives to goqu
- jOOQA fluent SQL framework for JVM teams that want generated, type-safe database access.9.3
- SQLAlchemySQL construction, ORM, and database services for Python applications.9.1
- JetBrains ExposedA free, open-source Kotlin library with a type-safe SQL DSL and JDBC and R2DBC access.9.0
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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