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Poor SQL
What it is
Poor SQL reformats and colorizes T-SQL code according to user preferences. Formatting runs in the browser, so the site can work offline; it says SQL submitted for formatting is not sent to an external service. Controls cover indentation, tab spacing, maximum width, statement and clause breaks, comma lists, boolean and CASE expressions, and JOIN ON sections. An obfuscation and minification option can vary colors, line lengths, and keyword case, or substitute keywords. Results are available as input SQL, formatted SQL, or HTML source. 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 and works with Microsoft .NET and Mono; its JavaScript library also works in browsers and contexts such as Node.js. The project describes its parsing as coarse rather than full, especially for DDL. Formatting settings are remembered with a cookie; blocking cookies restores defaults each visit.
For and against
For
- Formatting runs locally in the browser
- Works without an internet connection
- Offers SSMS, Visual Studio, and WinMerge plugins
- Includes a command-line bulk formatter
Against
- Parsing is coarse, especially for DDL
- Blocking cookies restores default settings each visit
- Supports T-SQL
The verdict
Poor SQL provides configurable T-SQL formatting with offline operation and several download options. Its coarse parsing, particularly for DDL, is an important limitation to weigh when choosing it.
Who it suits
Poor SQL suits T-SQL users who want browser-based formatting, including offline use, or downloadable plugins and bulk formatting tools. It may also suit developers who want to use the open-source library in .NET, Mono, or JavaScript contexts.
Plans and prices
Free
online formatting · offline formatting · SSMS/Visual Studio plugin · command-line formatter
Read 14 Oct 2026 · poorsql.com
On the record
- API component
- The project includes a web service alongside its demo WinForms program, add-ins, command-line utility, and plugins.github.com · read 1 Oct 2026
- Changelog event
- Version 1.6.10 in November 2017 added Atom and Visual Studio Code plugins and fixed several formatting and installer issues.github.com · read 14 Oct 2026
- Command line
- A command-line bulk formatter is available for download.poorsql.com · read 1 Oct 2026
- Command-line limitation
- The Node command-line tool does not currently produce syntax-highlighted HTML output.github.com · read 14 Oct 2026
- Command-line package
- The Node command-line formatter installs globally with npm and accepts stdin, files, configurable formatting options, and output files.github.com · read 14 Oct 2026
- Command-line performance
- The Node command-line implementation reports roughly half a second to format one query on the author’s laptop and describes itself as slower than the .NET formatter.github.com · read 14 Oct 2026
- Comment limitation
- The standard formatter can move comments from their original positions in some compound keywords.github.com · read 14 Oct 2026
- Community rating status
- Open Hub shows no user rating yet and invites the first rating.openhub.net · read 14 Oct 2026
- Cookie behavior
- Formatting preferences are remembered in a cookie; blocking cookies restores default settings on each visit.poorsql.com · read 14 Oct 2026
- Data handling
- The site says SQL submitted for formatting is not sent to any external service and is processed in the browser.poorsql.com · read 1 Oct 2026
- DDL limitation
- DDL parsing is described as very coarse and limited to the minimum needed for ordered declarations.github.com · read 14 Oct 2026
- Dialect support
- The project is focused on Microsoft T-SQL; support for other SQL dialects is possible but none is implemented as a dedicated dialect.github.com · read 14 Oct 2026
- Editor integrations
- Downloads and repositories provide integrations for SSMS, Visual Studio, Notepad++, WinMerge, Atom, and Visual Studio Code.github.com · read 14 Oct 2026
- External institutional mention
- A UCSF VA data-resources document lists Poor SQL as a SQL formatting tool among its SQL resources.chime.ucsf.edu · read 14 Oct 2026
- Formatting controls
- Controls include indentation, tab spacing, maximum width, statement and clause breaks, comma-list expansion, boolean and CASE expansion, and JOIN ON breaks.poorsql.com · read 14 Oct 2026
- Independent comparison
- A Korean SQL Server formatter comparison describes Poor SQL as an instant formatter with configurable options and says it targets SQL Server syntax.windtrap.tistory.com · read 14 Oct 2026
- Independent mention
- J.D. Hodges lists Poor SQL as a free online alternative for formatting SQL Server queries when SQL Server 2008 lacked a comparable built-in feature.jdhodges.com · read 14 Oct 2026
- Installation limitation
- The same comparison reports that using the SSMS 2012 add-in required manually copying an AddIn file into the user’s roaming Addins folder.windtrap.tistory.com · read 14 Oct 2026
