Poor SQL

Poor SQL is a free T-SQL formatter and colorizer for people who want to adjust SQL layout in a browser or through familiar development tools. It suits T-SQL users who value local processing and multiple ways to integrate formatting into a workflow.

Its broad formatting controls and free downloads are useful, but its parsing is deliberately coarse. That makes it a less suitable choice when reliable handling of complex SQL, particularly DDL, is essential.

Overview

Poor SQL pairs a browser-based formatter with plugins, a command-line bulk formatter, and an open-source library. It focuses on T-SQL rather than offering a range of SQL dialects, so it is most relevant to users working in Microsoft SQL Server environments. The library is AGPL-licensed, a consideration for teams evaluating how to incorporate it into their own software.

Formatting runs in the browser, and the site says SQL is not sent to an external service. It also works offline, making it a practical option when users want to format locally or without an internet connection. These qualities do not make it a full parser: the project describes its parsing as coarse, especially for DDL, so users should be cautious about treating its output as authoritative for complex statements.

Key features

Users can set indentation, spaces per tab, maximum width, and where statements and clauses break. Further controls expand comma-separated lists, boolean expressions and CASE expressions, and add breaks in JOIN ON sections. This is a substantial set of layout choices for a free formatter, though custom rules are not supported; teams with a strict shared style may find the built-in controls insufficient.

The browser interface separates input SQL, formatted SQL and HTML source views. An Obfuscate / Minify option can randomize colors, line lengths and keyword case, or substitute keywords. That gives users ways to alter the appearance of code, but the central value remains formatting rather than deep SQL analysis. Automatic fixes are supported.

Downloads include plugins for SQL Server Management Studio, Visual Studio and WinMerge, as well as a command-line bulk formatter. The library works with Microsoft .NET and Mono, while its JavaScript version can be used in browsers and contexts such as Node.js. The project also includes a web service and demo WinForms program. These integration routes make Poor SQL more flexible than a browser-only tool, although it has no CI/CD integration or configuration file.

Formatting preferences are saved in a cookie. Users who block cookies return to the default settings each visit, which can make a preferred layout less convenient to maintain.

Pricing

Poor SQL is free. The Free plan costs nothing and includes online and offline formatting, the SSMS and Visual Studio plugin, the command-line bulk formatter and the WinMerge plugin. There are no paid tiers or seat and usage limits to weigh against those tools in the plan.

Free access makes it easy for individuals and teams to try the available workflow, but the trade-off is not a reduced tier: users get the product's stated feature set, including its coarse parsing and lack of custom rules. The open-source library is AGPL-licensed, so teams incorporating it into software should account for that license.

Platforms

Poor SQL is available on the web and Linux and Windows platforms, and includes an API component. The browser formatter can work offline; downloadable plugins and command-line tools provide alternatives to using the site directly. The underlying .NET and Mono library and browser- and Node.js-compatible JavaScript library offer additional integration contexts.

Who it's for

Poor SQL is a good fit for T-SQL users who want free formatting with control over line breaks and indentation, and for developers who prefer a plugin, bulk command-line tool or reusable library. Its local processing and offline operation are especially useful when keeping formatting within the browser matters.

Look elsewhere if your work depends on accurate parsing of complex DDL, a configurable house style beyond built-in options, or CI/CD integration. Cookie-dependent settings may also be inconvenient for users who block cookies.

Pros and cons

Pros

• Free across several workflows: the plan includes browser formatting, offline use, three named plugins and a command-line bulk formatter.
• Local processing: formatting runs in the browser, and the site says submitted SQL is not sent to an external service.
• Detailed layout controls: users can adjust widths, breaks, indentation and expansion behavior rather than accept a single fixed style.
• Reusable libraries: the .NET/Mono and JavaScript options suit developers who want to incorporate formatting into their own contexts.

Cons

• Coarse parsing: DDL parsing is particularly coarse, limiting confidence when formatting complex SQL.
• No custom rules: teams cannot define additional house-style rules beyond the available controls.
• Cookie-based preferences: blocking cookies resets formatting options to defaults on each visit.
• No CI/CD integration or configuration file: teams seeking those workflow features will need another approach.

Alternatives

Sqruff is another free option for readers comparing SQL tools across web, desktop, extension and self-hosted platforms.

Sleek is a free open-source SQL formatter for users considering a separate formatter project.

SQL Formatter may suit readers seeking a free MIT-licensed formatting library with a browser demo.

sqlfmt is worth considering for a free browser formatter that runs through WebAssembly without installation.

Squawk is a free alternative for readers comparing SQL tools across mobile, desktop, web and self-hosted platforms.

TSQLLint is a free, MIT-licensed option installable with dotnet-tool, Homebrew or NPM; consider it when those installation routes fit better.

JSQLFormatter is another free formatter to compare if you are evaluating alternatives.

pgFormatter is free software under the PostgreSQL Licence and may be a better match for readers looking beyond Poor SQL's T-SQL focus.

Browse the SQL Linters and Formatters list to compare more tools.

Verdict

Choose Poor SQL if you work with T-SQL and want a free formatter that can run locally and fit into browser, plugin or command-line workflows. Its range of layout options and integrations is compelling for everyday formatting; users handling complex DDL or requiring custom rules should look elsewhere.