sqlc

What sqlc is

sqlc is a command-line tool that turns SQL queries into type-safe, idiomatic application code. The workflow is to write queries, run sqlc to generate code with type-safe interfaces, and call the generated methods from application code. Its documented database support covers MySQL, PostgreSQL, and SQLite. The language matrix includes generators for Go, Kotlin, Python, and TypeScript. Go is marked stable; Kotlin, Python, and TypeScript are marked beta for MySQL and PostgreSQL. Plugins provide a route to other languages, with community plugins listed for C#, F#, Java, PHP, Ruby, Zig, Python, and Rust.

The sqlc vet command checks queries against configured rules for mistakes that can exist even when SQL is syntactically valid. The sqlc verify command checks whether schema changes break existing queries and generated code. sqlc Cloud offers short-lived hosted databases for database-backed query analysis and linting; its managed databases are read-only and require a running database server and a server connection URI in configuration. The CLI is free, with prebuilt downloads for Linux, macOS, and Windows. Installation is also documented through package managers, Go, and Docker. The maker says the CLI does not collect information, send third-party crash reports, or gather anonymous usage analytics.

Who it suits

sqlc suits developers who want to generate typed application code from SQL queries for MySQL, PostgreSQL, or SQLite. It is especially relevant to teams working in Go, or evaluating the beta Kotlin, Python, or TypeScript generators, and those who want query checks or schema verification.

Limits

The free sqlc CLI does not include hosted Cloud features unless a cloud project is used. Managed databases are read-only and require access to a running database server plus a server connection URI in configuration.

Getting started

1. Visit the sqlc website and choose a CLI installation route.
2. Install a prebuilt download or use a package manager, Go, or Docker.
3. Write SQL queries and run sqlc to generate code.
4. Call the generated methods from your application.
5. Use sqlc vet or sqlc verify for query and schema checks as needed.
6. For Cloud managed databases, configure access to a running database server and provide its connection URI.

Verdict

Pick sqlc if you want a free CLI that generates type-safe code from SQL and supports query or schema checks. Go users have a stable generator; teams relying on the listed Kotlin, Python, or TypeScript generators should account for their beta status. Cloud managed databases are read-only and require a configured server connection.