SQLCheck

SQLCheck is a command-line scanner for developers who want to review SQL files for common anti-patterns across several database dialects. Its strongest case is focused, risk-filtered analysis; readers who need automatic fixes or an editor workflow should look elsewhere.

Overview

SQLCheck checks for patterns that can slow queries and groups findings across logical and physical database design, queries, and application development. That wider scope helps surface design and application concerns alongside query issues, though the file-based workflow keeps it firmly in the role of a checker rather than a SQL development environment.

It supports Microsoft SQL Server, MySQL, Oracle, PostgreSQL, and SQLite3. The project is open source under Apache-2.0 and welcomes contributions through issues, pull requests, and documentation improvements.

Key features

• Risk filters: Choose all anti-patterns, medium- and high-risk patterns, or high-risk patterns only. This lets reviewers narrow a scan to more consequential issues, but it does not repair findings or replace decisions about their impact in a specific database.
• File-based analysis: Pass a SQL file name at the command line. Version 1.3 adds line numbers and returns status code 1 when it finds anti-patterns, which helps locate issues and gives scripts a result they can act on.
• Output modes: Color and verbose options provide alternate ways to read the command-line results. The interface remains terminal-based, with no graphical interface or editor extension.
• Multiple installation routes: Downloads include Debian, RPM, macOS DMG, Windows EXE, and ZIP packages. Building from source requires g++ 4.9+ and CMake.

Pricing

SQLCheck costs nothing. The open-source command-line tool has no paid tiers or stated usage limits, making it suitable for individuals and teams seeking a no-cost file scanner without a subscription decision. There are no cheaper paid plans to compare, but the free package does not include automatic fixes or editor extensions.

Platforms

SQLCheck supports Linux, macOS, and Windows. The available packages include Debian and RPM builds for Linux, a DMG for macOS, and an EXE for Windows; Windows users run it from a terminal such as cmd.exe. The source build path is an option for users comfortable with g++ 4.9+ and CMake. It is not a hosted service or mobile app.

Who it's for

SQLCheck fits developers and database reviewers who already work with SQL files in a terminal and want checks spanning several named dialects and four categories of anti-pattern. The risk filters and line-numbered findings are useful for focused reviews and script-driven checks. It is a poor match for users who want a graphical interface, an API, an editor extension, or automated fixes.

Pros and cons

• Pro: Broad category coverage. It checks logical and physical design, queries, and application development rather than limiting its scope to query formatting.
• Pro: Actionable command-line results. Risk selection, line numbers, and a nonzero status when patterns are found help users focus reviews and scripts.
• Pro: Free and cross-platform. The open-source tool runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows without stated usage limits.
• Con: Terminal and file workflow only. Users must provide a SQL file and work from the command line; there is no graphical interface, API, hosted service, or mobile app.
• Con: No automatic fixes or editor extension. SQLCheck flags patterns but does not make corrections or integrate into an editor workflow.

Alternatives

For a wider set of options, browse SQL Linters and Formatters.

• Sqruff is another free option for readers looking across extension, desktop, self-hosted, and web platforms.
• Poor SQL suits readers seeking online or offline formatting and an SSMS/Visual Studio plugin, with an open-source AGPL-licensed library.
• Sleek is a free open-source SQL formatter for readers who want an extension or desktop platform.
• SQL Formatter is a free MIT-licensed formatting library with a browser demo, for readers prioritizing formatting over anti-pattern checks.
• sqlfmt offers a free browser formatter that runs through WebAssembly without installation, for readers who prefer browser-based formatting.
• Squawk is a free alternative for readers looking across mobile, desktop, extension, API, self-hosted, and web platforms.
• TSQLLint is a free MIT-licensed option installable with dotnet-tool, Homebrew, or NPM for readers seeking those installation routes.
• JSQLFormatter is another free SQL formatter.

Verdict

Choose SQLCheck if you want a free, cross-platform command-line check for SQL anti-patterns with risk filters and results that scripts can use. Its breadth across database design, queries, and application development is the reason to pick it; look elsewhere if your workflow depends on an editor, graphical interface, or automatic repairs.