Poor SQL

Overview

Poor SQL is a free T-SQL formatter and colorizer for developers who want to adjust query layout in a browser, editor, or command-line workflow. It is best suited to people working specifically with T-SQL who value local processing and flexible formatting; its coarse parsing makes it a less dependable choice for complex SQL, particularly DDL.

Key features

Formatting controls cover indentation, spaces per tab, maximum width, statement and clause breaks, comma-list expansion, boolean and CASE expansion, and breaks within JOIN ON sections. That breadth gives users substantial control over readability without a paid tier. Automatic fixes are supported, but custom rules are not, so teams that need a tailored, enforceable house style may outgrow the built-in options.

The browser interface separates input SQL, formatted SQL, and HTML source views. Its obfuscate/minify option can randomize colors, line lengths, and keyword case, or substitute keywords. Formatting runs in the browser, the site says SQL is not sent to an external service, and the page works offline. Those are practical advantages for users who want formatting without sending queries elsewhere, though they do not make the formatter suitable for every parsing task.

Downloads include plugins for SQL Server Management Studio, Visual Studio, and WinMerge, as well as a command-line bulk formatter. The open-source Poor Man's T-SQL Formatter library is AGPL-licensed. It works with Microsoft .NET and Mono; its JavaScript library can run in browsers and contexts such as Node.js. The project also includes a web service, demo WinForms program, and add-ins, giving developers several ways to incorporate or use the formatter.

The central limitation is that Poor SQL performs coarse parsing rather than full SQL parsing, with DDL parsing especially coarse. That is a meaningful caution for workflows where structure matters: use it to format T-SQL with straightforward needs, not as a parser whose interpretation of complex statements you can rely on. Settings are stored in a cookie, so blocking cookies restores defaults on each visit. Support is available by email to Tao Klerks or through the GitHub issue tracker.

Pricing

Poor SQL's Free plan costs nothing. It includes online and offline formatting, the SSMS and Visual Studio plugins, the command-line bulk formatter, and the WinMerge plugin. There are no paid tiers or seat or usage limits described, making it a straightforward fit for individuals and teams willing to use the included T-SQL formatter as-is. The trade-off is not a lower-tier cap but the lack of custom rules and CI/CD integration.

Platforms

Poor SQL is available on the web, Linux, and Windows, with an API component. Its browser and JavaScript library can also run in other contexts such as Node.js, while the .NET library supports Mono. Editor extensions are available; there is no configuration file or CI/CD integration.

Who it's for

Poor SQL suits T-SQL developers who want a free formatter with detailed layout controls, offline browser use, or integrations with SSMS, Visual Studio, WinMerge, and command-line batch workflows. It is less suitable for multi-dialect teams, users who need custom formatting rules or CI/CD integration, and anyone relying on accurate parsing of complex DDL.

Pros and cons

• Pros: Free online and offline formatting, with SQL processed locally in the browser rather than sent to an external service.
• Pros: Numerous controls, plus plugins and a command-line bulk formatter, cover several common T-SQL workflows.
• Cons: Coarse parsing, especially for DDL, limits confidence with structurally complex SQL.
• Cons: T-SQL is the supported dialect; custom rules and CI/CD integration are absent.
• Cons: Cookie-dependent settings revert to defaults when cookies are blocked.

Alternatives

For another free formatter, SQL Formatter offers a browser demo and a formatting library under the MIT license, and supports extension, Linux, macOS, web, and Windows. Choose it if that broader platform range or MIT licensing better fits your needs. SQLCheck is a free open-source command-line tool for Linux, macOS, and Windows; it is the alternative to consider when a command-line tool is the priority.

Sqruff is another free option, with support for extensions, Linux, macOS, self-hosting, web, and Windows. JSQLFormatter is free and supports Linux, self-hosting, and Windows, making it an option for those platform needs. Sleek is a free formatter for extension, Linux, macOS, and Windows. SQLFluff is a free, MIT-licensed open-source SQL linter for API, Linux, self-hosted, and Windows use; pick it when linting is the aim rather than formatting alone. sqlfmt offers a free browser formatter that runs through WebAssembly without installation. TSQLLint is free, MIT-licensed software installable with dotnet-tool, Homebrew, or NPM, and suits readers seeking a linter instead of a formatter. Browse the SQL Linters and Formatters directory for more options.

Verdict

Choose Poor SQL if you work in T-SQL and want a no-cost formatter with extensive layout controls, local browser processing, and practical plugins or bulk formatting. Look elsewhere if your work depends on full parsing, especially for DDL, or requires custom rules, CI/CD integration, or dialects beyond T-SQL.