SQLCheck

SQLCheck scans SQL files for common anti-patterns and is best suited to developers who want a focused command-line check across several database dialects. Its risk filters help prioritize findings, but it is not an editor or a tool that fixes SQL for you.

Overview

The scanner groups anti-patterns across logical and physical database design, queries, and application development. That range can help surface concerns beyond query construction, while its file-based workflow keeps the job narrow: provide a SQL file and inspect the findings.

SQLCheck targets major SQL dialects, including Microsoft SQL Server, MySQL, Oracle, PostgreSQL, and SQLite3. The project is Apache-2.0 licensed and welcomes contributions through issues, pull requests, and documentation improvements.

Key features

Risk selection: Choose all anti-patterns, medium- and high-risk patterns, or high-risk patterns only. This is useful for prioritizing a scan, though the selected risk band does not determine whether a finding matters in a particular application.

File-based command line: Pass a SQL file name for analysis. Version 1.3 adds line numbers and returns status code 1 when findings are detected, which helps locate issues and lets scripts respond to a scan result.

Output modes: Color and verbose modes give terminal users options for how findings appear. There are no automatic fixes, so resolving issues remains a separate step.

Pricing

SQLCheck: free. The open-source command-line tool has no paid tiers or usage limits stated. That makes it a straightforward fit for individual developers and teams seeking a no-cost scanner; there is no higher tier with additional capabilities described.

Platforms

SQLCheck runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows. Downloads include Debian and RPM packages, a macOS DMG, a Windows EXE, and ZIP archives. Windows users run the executable from a terminal such as cmd.exe; building from source requires g++ 4.9+ and CMake.

Who it's for

SQLCheck suits developers who already work with SQL files in a terminal and want to check for anti-patterns across common database dialects. Its risk filters and status code can help focus manual review or incorporate checks into scripts. It is not the right choice for users who need a graphical interface, editor extension, API, hosted service, mobile app, or automatic fixes.

Pros and cons

Pro: Broad categories and dialect coverage. Checks span design, query, and application-development concerns, with five named dialects including PostgreSQL, MySQL, and SQL Server.

Pro: Actionable scan signals. Risk selection, line numbers, and a nonzero status when findings appear help users focus and locate results.

Con: Terminal and file workflow only. The tool analyzes SQL files rather than offering an editor, graphical interface, or hosted workflow.

Con: No automatic remediation. Findings must be assessed and resolved outside SQLCheck.

Alternatives

For a broader set of SQL tools, start with SQL Linters and Formatters.

Squawk is worth considering if its broad platform range—including API, extension, web, and self-hosted options—better matches your workflow.

Choose sqlfmt when formatting is the goal: its free browser formatter runs through WebAssembly without installation.

Poor SQL may suit T-SQL formatting needs, with online and offline formatting and SSMS/Visual Studio plugins in its free plan.

Sqruff is another free option if its extension, web, or self-hosted platform choices fit better.

TSQLLint is a free alternative installable with dotnet-tool, Homebrew, or NPM.

JSQLFormatter is a free option if its Linux, macOS, Windows, or self-hosted availability suits your setup.

Sleek is another free choice, with extension and self-hosted options alongside desktop platforms.

Consider SQL Formatter for formatting through a library or browser demo.

Verdict

Choose SQLCheck if you want a free, cross-platform command-line scan that sorts SQL anti-patterns by risk and can report findings with line numbers and a script-readable status. Look elsewhere if your workflow depends on editing assistance, automatic fixes, or a graphical or hosted interface.