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sqldef

Free#2 of 24 in Database Schema Comparison Tools

sqldef: A free, open-source CLI for declarative, repeatable database schema migrations. Ranked #2 of 24 in Database Schema Comparison Tools by our editors (9.2/10); pricing: Free plan; best for declarative, multi-engine schema migration workflows.

9.2/10Editor score

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sqldef9.2 Visit sqldef

At a glance

Editor score
9.2 / 10
Pricing
Free plan
Best for
Declarative, multi-engine schema migration workflows
Free plan
Yes
Paid from
Free
Migration scripts
Yes
Facts checked
21 Sep 2026

Where it wins
- Supports MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQLite3, and SQL Server
- Generates dry-run previews and idempotent migrations
- Works with GitHub Actions pull-request previews
Where it doesn't
- The workflow is centered on a command-line tool
- Rename support covers selected tables, columns, indexes, and enum values
- Database-specific commands are used for different engines

Our verdict on sqldef

sqldef is an open-source command-line tool for declarative database schema management. Developers define a desired schema in plain SQL, then compare it with a current database or another SQL schema file. sqldef can generate and apply migrations, export existing schemas, preview generated DDL changes, and safely rerun idempotent operations. It is suited to development teams managing schema changes across MySQL, MariaDB, TiDB, PostgreSQL, SQLite3, and SQL Server.

There is no paid tier in the published model: sqldef is free and open source. It runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux, making it practical for cross-platform development and automation workflows. Its ecosystem connection is focused rather than broad, with a GitHub Actions preview workflow for pull requests. Database-specific commands support MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQLite3, and SQL Server, while offline comparison of two SQL files supports CI/CD checks without connecting directly to a database.

The standout capability is the declarative migration workflow. sqldef compares the desired SQL definition with the current state, generates the required changes, and can show those changes before application. Rename support covers tables, columns, indexes, and enum values, while idempotent operations help make repeated migration runs predictable. Teams wanting plain-SQL, multi-engine schema automation should consider sqldef; teams requiring a graphical schema editor or broader named integrations should look elsewhere.

Your product? Our editors can test sqldef in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →

sqldef pricing

Plans Free planFree Free to use — no paid tier required for the core job.

See plans on github.com

sqldef fact sheet

Free plan	Yes
Paid from	Free
Migration scripts	Yes
Database scope	Multi-engine
Source control	Not verified
CI/CD integration	Yes
Scheduled comparisons	Not verified
Supported platforms	Cross-platform
Deployment	Self-hosted
Platforms	Windows, macOS, Linux
Support	Community, Docs
Built for	Solo, Small business, Mid-market (editorial estimate)
Integrations	1 integrations: GitHub Actions
Pricing	Free plan
Website	github.com
Facts checked	21 Sep 2026

sqldef integrations

sqldef lists 1 integrations on its own site.

GitHub Actions

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sqldef vs the competition

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The editor score above is our own research. What this page doesn't have yet is a reader's view — what you used sqldef for, what worked and what didn't. No stars are seeded and no review is paid for; an editor reads every one before it appears.

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Featured on iTechGuides

sqldef is listed in our Database Schema Comparison Tools directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.

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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

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Last updated 7 Oct 2026 · How we research and update