SqlKata review
Build queries in C# and compile them for six SQL engines, with optional Dapper execution.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
SqlKata is an open-source C# library for composing SQL queries through a fluent API. It suits developers who want to build database queries in application code while targeting multiple SQL engines. The library supports .NET Framework and .NET Standard and is framework-agnostic, so it can be used in applications such as APIs, dashboards, and reporting tools. Its scope is query construction and compilation rather than a full database client: teams can compile SQL strings and bindings without executing them.
Dialect coverage is a central strength. Native compilers are available for SQL Server, SQLite, MySQL, PostgreSQL, Oracle, and Firebird. Query construction includes joins, subqueries, nested conditions, common table expressions, unions, conditional clauses, raw SQL expressions, and pagination helpers. This gives teams options for composing both structured and conditional queries, while raw SQL offers an escape hatch when fluent composition is not the right fit. The published feature set also includes asynchronous query fetching.
For execution, SqlKata offers the optional SqlKata.Execution package, which runs queries using Dapper and supports synchronous and asynchronous fetching. Teams that only need compilation can keep execution separate; those seeking an integrated execution path should account for that package and Dapper in their stack. SqlKata is open source and self-hosted, with documentation and community support. It is a fit for C# teams that value multi-dialect compilation and flexible query composition, but less suitable for projects outside C# or buyers looking for a managed query-building service or vendor support channel.
SqlKata pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Compiles queries for SQL Server, SQLite, MySQL, PostgreSQL, Oracle, and Firebird
- Supports CTEs, joins, subqueries, nested conditions, and pagination
- Can compile SQL and bindings without execution; optional package adds Dapper execution
- Where it doesn't
- C# library, so it is not aimed at teams working in other languages
- Execution depends on the optional SqlKata.Execution package and Dapper
- Self-hosted library with docs and community support channels
SqlKata fact sheet, pricing and score →
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