PgSanity

What PgSanity is

PgSanity is a free Python package that checks PostgreSQL SQL files for syntax problems. It places plain SQL into an embedded SQL form inside a C-like file, then uses ecpg, which relies on PostgreSQL’s parser, to identify errors. You can provide one filename or several; reported syntax errors include the file and line. With no filenames, PgSanity reads SQL from standard input, supporting interactive use or input piped from another command. It returns exit status 0 when the syntax looks good and 1 when it finds errors, allowing scripts to respond to the result. The project also provides a pre-commit hook named pgsanity_lint. PgSanity is intended for developers, information technology professionals, and system administrators. It supports PostgreSQL SQL and is designed for Linux and self-hosted use. Installation is available from PyPI with pip or uv, and through FreeBSD ports. The stated requirements are Python 3.9 or later and ecpg; the README lists dependency package names for Ubuntu/Debian, RHEL/CentOS, and Arch. PyPI lists the license as MIT and names Mark Drago as the sole maintainer and author. The README directs users to the GitHub project to report problems, including incorrect syntax results.

Who it suits

PgSanity suits developers, IT professionals, and system administrators who need to check PostgreSQL SQL files. Its filename, standard-input, exit-status, and pre-commit options fit command-line and development workflows.

Getting started

1. Open the PgSanity GitHub project page.
2. Install Python 3.9 or later and ecpg.
3. Install the package from PyPI with pip or uv, or use FreeBSD ports.
4. Run it with one or more SQL filenames, or provide SQL through standard input.
5. Add the pgsanity_lint pre-commit hook if it fits your workflow.

Verdict

Choose PgSanity if you need a free, MIT-licensed way to check PostgreSQL SQL files from a command line or pre-commit workflow. Its use requires Python 3.9 or later and ecpg, so another option may suit environments that cannot provide those dependencies or need a different SQL dialect.