Poor SQL
Poor SQL: A focused offline formatter for T-SQL with browser, CLI, and editor options. Ranked #14 of 25 in SQL Linters and Formatters by our editors (7.2/10); pricing: Free plan; best for T-SQL users wanting offline formatting tools.
At a glance
- Editor score7.2 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forT-SQL users wanting offline formatting tools
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Supported SQL dialectsT-SQL
- Automatic fixesYes
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Runs client-side in the browser and supports offline operation
- Formats batch and multi-batch scripts with configurable preferences
- Offers CLI, SSMS, Visual Studio, Notepad++, and WinMerge tooling
Where it doesn't
- Supports T-SQL rather than multiple SQL dialects
- Does not provide CI/CD integration or configuration-file support
- Does not include custom-rule support
Our verdict on Poor SQL
Poor SQL is a free, open-source formatter and library for Transact-SQL (T-SQL). It is designed for SQL Server users who want formatting and indentation without sending scripts to a server: the browser-based client processes SQL entirely on the client side and can operate offline. The project also extends beyond the browser with a command-line bulk formatter, downloadable SSMS and Visual Studio add-ins, and plugins for Notepad++ and WinMerge.
Its strongest fit is offline and batch-oriented work. Formatting preferences are configurable, and the tool handles both batch and multi-batch scripts. Colorized HTML output adds a presentation option, while SQL obfuscation and minification cover cases where readable formatting is not the desired result. According to the published product details, the command-line formatter and editor integrations make Poor SQL practical for users who move between browser-based work, desktop editors, and SQL Server tooling. Buyers seeking a focused T-SQL formatter with free access and open-source availability should find the scope straightforward.
The trade-off is its narrow dialect and workflow coverage. Poor SQL focuses on T-SQL, so teams working across several SQL dialects may need a different formatter. Its category specifications also show no custom-rule support, no CI/CD integration, and no configuration-file support. That makes it better suited to individual developers and desktop-centered teams than to organizations standardizing formatting through automated pipeline checks or shared repository configuration. Choose Poor SQL for offline T-SQL formatting, bulk processing, obfuscation, and editor plugins; choose an alternative when multi-dialect support, custom rules, or CI/CD workflows are central requirements.
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Poor SQL pricing
Poor SQL fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Supported SQL dialects | T-SQL |
| Automatic fixes | Yes |
| Custom rules | No |
| Editor extensions | Yes |
| CI/CD integration | No |
| Configuration file | No |
| Deployment | Desktop |
| Platforms | Web, Windows |
| Built for | Solo, Small business (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | poorsql.com |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to Poor SQL
- SQLFluffConfigurable SQL linting with autofix, templating, plugins, and CI workflows.9.4
- SqruffA focused open-source choice for dbt teams needing linting, formatting, and CI workflows.9.1
- pgFormatterA configurable, open-source formatter for PostgreSQL-focused SQL workflows.8.8
See all Poor SQL alternatives →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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