Frequently Asked Questions
This section answers common questions about the SQL Prettify and Format tool.
General Questions
What is the SQL Prettify tool?
The SQL Prettify tool is an online utility that formats and beautifies SQL queries. It helps developers create clean, readable, and properly formatted SQL code by applying consistent indentation, keyword case conversion, and other formatting rules.
Is the tool free to use?
Yes, the SQL Prettify tool is completely free to use. There are no registration requirements, usage limits, or hidden costs.
Do I need to create an account?
No account creation is required. The tool works entirely in your browser without any registration or login process.
Functionality Questions
What types of SQL queries are supported?
The tool supports most standard SQL constructs including:
- SELECT statements with JOINs, subqueries, and aggregations
- INSERT, UPDATE, and DELETE statements
- CREATE, ALTER, and DROP statements
- Common Table Expressions (CTEs)
- Window functions
- Stored procedures and functions
Can I format complex queries with multiple JOINs?
Yes, the tool handles complex queries with multiple JOINs, subqueries, and nested structures. It properly formats and indents all levels of complexity.
Does the tool validate SQL syntax?
The tool focuses on formatting rather than syntax validation. It will attempt to format your SQL even if it contains syntax errors, but the output may not be optimal for invalid SQL.
Can I format stored procedures and functions?
Yes, the tool can format stored procedures, functions, and other database objects. It handles the structure and formatting of these complex SQL constructs.
Formatting Options
What indentation options are available?
You can choose from three indentation sizes:
- 2 spaces: Compact formatting
- 4 spaces: Standard formatting (recommended)
- 8 spaces: Wide formatting
How does keyword case conversion work?
The tool offers three keyword case options:
- UPPERCASE: Converts all SQL keywords to uppercase
- lowercase: Converts all SQL keywords to lowercase
- Preserve Case: Keeps the original case as typed
What is comma alignment?
Comma alignment places each column in a SELECT list on a new line with proper indentation, making the query structure more readable.
What does "Break Before Boolean Operator" do?
This option adds line breaks before AND/OR operators in WHERE clauses, making complex conditions easier to read and understand.
Data and Privacy
Is my SQL code sent to external servers?
No, all formatting is performed locally in your browser. Your SQL code never leaves your device and is not transmitted to any external servers.
Where is my formatting history stored?
Your formatting history is stored locally in your browser's local storage. It's not synchronized with any external services or cloud storage.
Can I clear my formatting history?
Yes, you can clear individual history records or all history at once using the "Clear History" button in the history section.
Is my data secure?
Yes, your data is secure because:
- All processing happens locally in your browser
- No data is transmitted over the network
- History is stored locally and encrypted by your browser
- No external services have access to your data
Browser and Compatibility
Which browsers are supported?
The tool works with modern browsers including:
- Chrome 80+
- Firefox 75+
- Safari 13+
- Edge 80+
Does the tool work offline?
Yes, the tool works offline once loaded. All formatting functionality is available without an internet connection.
Can I use the tool on mobile devices?
Yes, the tool is responsive and works on mobile devices, though the experience is optimized for desktop use.
Are there any browser requirements?
The tool requires:
- JavaScript enabled
- Local storage support
- Modern CSS support
- Clipboard API support (for copy functionality)
Performance and Limits
Is there a limit on query size?
The tool can handle queries up to 10,000 characters. Very large queries may take longer to format but should still work.
How many history records can I save?
The tool maintains up to 50 recent formatting records. Older records are automatically removed when this limit is reached.
Does formatting large queries affect performance?
Large queries may take slightly longer to format, but the tool is optimized to handle complex queries efficiently.
Can I format multiple queries at once?
The tool formats one query at a time. For multiple queries, you can format them separately and use the history feature to manage them.
Troubleshooting
The tool isn't formatting my SQL correctly. What should I do?
- Check for SQL syntax errors in your input
- Try using the "Load Example" button to see proper formatting
- Clear the input and try again
- Check if your query contains unsupported SQL constructs
My formatted SQL looks wrong. What's happening?
- Verify your SQL syntax is correct
- Try different formatting options
- Check if the query contains complex nested structures
- Use the example feature to compare with known good formatting
The copy function isn't working. How can I fix this?
- Ensure your browser supports the Clipboard API
- Try using Ctrl+C (Cmd+C on Mac) to copy manually
- Check if your browser has clipboard permissions enabled
- Try refreshing the page and trying again
My history disappeared. What happened?
- Check if you cleared the browser's local storage
- Verify you're using the same browser and device
- Check if you're in private/incognito mode
- History is stored locally and doesn't sync across devices
Integration and Usage
Can I embed this tool in my application?
The tool is designed for standalone use, but you can reference it from your applications or use it as a reference for implementing similar functionality.
Can I use the tool for commercial projects?
Yes, you can use the tool for any purpose, including commercial projects. There are no restrictions on usage.
How can I provide feedback or report issues?
You can provide feedback through the tool's interface or contact the development team through the main website.
Are there any usage restrictions?
The tool is free to use for any purpose. The only restrictions are:
- Don't use it for malicious purposes
- Respect the tool's terms of service
- Don't attempt to overload or abuse the service
Advanced Features
Can I customize the formatting rules?
The tool provides several formatting options, but custom rule creation is not currently supported. You can adjust the available options to suit your preferences.
Does the tool support different SQL dialects?
The tool focuses on standard SQL syntax. While it may work with various SQL dialects, it's optimized for standard SQL constructs.
Can I save my formatting preferences?
Your formatting preferences are not currently saved between sessions. You'll need to adjust the options each time you use the tool.
Is there a way to batch format multiple queries?
The tool formats one query at a time. For multiple queries, you can format them individually and use the history feature to manage them.