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Poor SQL review

Free#14 of 25 in SQL Linters and Formatters

A focused offline formatter for T-SQL with browser, CLI, and editor options.

7.2/10Editor score
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Poor SQL7.2 Visit Poor SQL

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

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.

Poor SQL pros and cons

  • 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

Poor SQL fact sheet, pricing and score →

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