Valk Guard
Valk Guard: A focused open-source linter for PostgreSQL safety and schema checks in code. Ranked #21 of 25 in SQL Linters and Formatters by our editors (6.5/10); pricing: Free plan; best for postgreSQL teams checking query and schema safety.
At a glance
- Editor score6.5 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forPostgreSQL teams checking query and schema safety
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Supported SQL dialectsPostgreSQL
- Automatic fixesNo
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Scans raw SQL, application code, ORM, and query-builder patterns
- Includes 19 rules for query safety, schema drift, and validation
- Supports CI, pull requests, JSON, SARIF, and reviewdog output
Where it doesn't
- PostgreSQL is the only supported SQL dialect
- No autofix for detected issues
- Custom rules are not supported
Our verdict on Valk Guard
Valk Guard is an open-source command-line SQL linter for developers and engineering teams working with PostgreSQL. It scans raw SQL alongside Go, Goqu, Python SQLAlchemy, and C# EF Core code, then applies PostgreSQL grammar-aware checks. The tool is suited to teams that want query safety and schema validation within local development, CI, and pull-request review workflows rather than a broad multi-dialect formatter.
Its main strength is source-aware analysis across application code and database definitions. Valk Guard can synthesize SQL from supported ORM and query-builder patterns, detect risky queries and destructive DDL, flag unbounded selects, identify unknown schema references, and find drift between ORM models and migration DDL. Nineteen built-in rules cover query safety, schema drift, and schema validation. Findings can be emitted as JSON, SARIF, reviewdog rdjsonl, or terminal output, with GitHub Actions and reviewdog integrations available for CI and pull-request workflows.
Valk Guard keeps its focus narrow. PostgreSQL is the supported SQL dialect, and the published category specifications show no autofix or custom-rule support, so teams seeking automated rewrites or rule authoring should choose a tool with those capabilities. Configuration is managed through .valk-guard.yaml, while supported integrations include Go, Goqu, Python SQLAlchemy, C# EF Core, GitHub Actions, and reviewdog. Choose Valk Guard when PostgreSQL safety checks, schema-drift detection, and code-aware CI feedback are priorities; look elsewhere if broad dialect coverage, autofix, or customizable rules are essential.
Your product? Our editors can test Valk Guard in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →
Valk Guard pricing
Valk Guard fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Supported SQL dialects | PostgreSQL |
| Automatic fixes | No |
| Custom rules | No |
| Editor extensions | Not verified |
| CI/CD integration | Yes |
| Configuration file | Yes |
| Deployment | Self-hosted |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Support | Docs |
| Built for | Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 6 integrations: Go, Goqu, Python SQLAlchemy, C# EF Core, GitHub Actions, reviewdog |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | github.com |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
Valk Guard integrations
Valk Guard lists 6 integrations on its own site.
- Go
- Goqu
- Python SQLAlchemy
- C# EF Core
- GitHub Actions
- reviewdog
Alternatives to Valk Guard
- 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 Valk Guard alternatives →
Used Valk Guard? Be the first to review it
The editor score above is our own research. What this page doesn't have yet is a reader's view — what you used Valk Guard 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.
Write a reviewTwo minutes · verified accounts only · read by an editor before it appears
Featured on iTechGuides
Valk Guard is listed in our SQL Linters and Formatters directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.
<a href="https://www.itechguides.com/products/valk-guard/"><img src="https://www.itechguides.com/best/badge/valk-guard.svg" alt="Featured on iTechGuides" width="230" height="46"></a>
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.
Last updated · How we research and update