sqlx-cli

sqlx-cli brings database setup, migration handling and offline query preparation to SQLx projects. It is best suited to Rust teams already using SQLx with PostgreSQL, MySQL, MariaDB or SQLite. Its focused workflow costs nothing, though teams tied to MSSQL will need another tool.

Overview

SQLx is an asynchronous, pure-Rust SQL toolkit with compile-time checked queries; sqlx-cli supplies commands for the database and migration work around those queries. It can create or drop the database configured for a project and manage migrations, while its open-source license is available under either Apache-2.0 or MIT at the user's choice.

Each command needs a database URL, supplied with --database-url, through the DATABASE_URL environment variable, or in a .env file in the current working directory. That keeps setup explicit, but means local environments and CI jobs must each provide the connection configuration they need.

Key features

Database and migration commands

The CLI creates or drops the database named by DATABASE_URL, and can create, run, inspect and revert migrations written as paired up and down SQL scripts. This gives SQLx teams a compact path from database setup through schema changes, with reversals represented alongside the forward migration. It is a good fit when that SQL-based workflow is enough; teams seeking a different change-management model may prefer another migration tool.

Offline query preparation

cargo sqlx prepare saves query metadata in a .sqlx directory. Once that directory is checked into version control, builds can proceed without an active database connection. For workspaces with multiple crates that use query macros, --workspace creates one metadata directory at the workspace root, keeping the shared build input in one place.

Setting SQLX_OFFLINE=true forces offline builds even when a DATABASE_URL variable or .env file is present. That is useful when a build must consistently use checked-in metadata rather than connect to a database. In CI, cargo sqlx prepare --check exits with a nonzero status when the saved metadata is outdated, making stale query data a detectable build failure.

Database and TLS choices

Installation uses cargo install sqlx-cli, with feature options to select database drivers and TLS backends. SQLx supports PostgreSQL, MySQL, MariaDB and SQLite, and installation options include PostgreSQL-only and SQLite-specific configurations. Native TLS, vendored OpenSSL and Rustls give teams a choice of TLS setup. For non-TLS MySQL or MariaDB connections where the server requires RSA authentication through caching_sha2_password or sha256_password, the mysql-rsa feature is needed.

The main database boundary is clear: MSSQL support was removed pending a full rewrite of its driver through the SQLx Pro initiative. That rules out sqlx-cli for teams whose migration workflow must include SQL Server.

Pricing

sqlx-cli is free and open source, with no free trial or paid tier to weigh against its core command set. Its plan is free and includes database management, migrations and offline query metadata. The license choice between Apache-2.0 and MIT also suits teams that need one of those standard open-source terms.

Platforms

sqlx-cli supports Linux, macOS and Windows. Its self-hosted option and CI/CD automation support fit teams that run their own development and build infrastructure rather than relying on a hosted migration service.

Who it's for

sqlx-cli is a strong choice for Rust developers using SQLx who want database lifecycle commands, reversible SQL migrations and compile-time query metadata in one tool. It is particularly useful when builds need to run offline or CI should catch outdated query metadata. It is less suitable for MSSQL projects or teams whose needs extend beyond the documented database and migration workflow.

The project README directs users with questions to its FAQ and Discord community. SQLx also forbids unsafe code unless the SQLite feature is enabled; in that configuration, SQLite API calls use unsafe code, which maintainers welcome auditing and feedback on.

Pros and cons

• Pros: Free and open source under Apache-2.0 or MIT, with no paid tier required for the stated CLI features.
• Pros: Create, run, inspect and revert SQL migrations, including paired up and down scripts.
• Pros: Checked-in query metadata supports offline builds, and a CI check can fail when that metadata is outdated.
• Pros: Linux, macOS and Windows support, plus selectable database drivers and TLS backends.
• Cons: MSSQL is unsupported, excluding teams that require SQL Server from this workflow.
• Cons: Commands require a database URL, so local and CI environments must be configured to supply one.
• Cons: Certain non-TLS MySQL or MariaDB authentication setups require the additional mysql-rsa feature.

Alternatives

For a broader comparison, see Database Migration Tools.

• Skeema is a freemium alternative with a free Community plan and a paid Plus plan at $124 a month. Choose it if its stated plan structure better fits your needs.
• Sqitch is a free database change-management application. Consider it if you want a separate change-management tool rather than SQLx's integrated query-metadata workflow.
• Atlas is an open-core, freemium alternative with a free plan and a free trial. It may suit readers comparing open-core migration tools.
• dbmate is a free, open-source database migration tool; consider it as another free migration option.
• FluentMigrator is a free, Apache-2.0 licensed framework distributed through NuGet, with provider packages selected separately. It may suit readers seeking that framework and distribution model.
• golang-migrate is a free open-source alternative with no paid plans or usage limits stated on its project pages.
• Goose is a free, open-source database migration tool for readers comparing migration utilities.
• pgroll is a free open-source option for PostgreSQL 14.0 or later, distributed as a single cross-platform binary.

Verdict

Choose sqlx-cli if your Rust project already uses SQLx and you want database setup, reversible SQL migrations and CI-checked offline query metadata without paying for a separate tool. Its database and platform coverage supports a focused workflow across Linux, macOS and Windows. Look elsewhere if your project depends on MSSQL or needs a migration approach outside the commands sqlx-cli provides.