Five concrete examples of the SQL Formatter in real use. Each one shows the situation, what you put in and what comes out, so you can copy the structure, swap in your details and adapt it this week.
Example 1: Formatting a one-line query from logs
The task: Formatting a one-line query from logs. You start from a compressed or single-line SQL query.. The tool returns the same query with clauses separated, keywords styled and subqueries indented., giving you a query you can proofread line by line before running it. you can edit rather than a blank page.
Make it yours: add one detail the tool cannot know - a real number, a name, a constraint - then read the result once end to end before you keep it.
Example 2: Preparing SQL for a code review
The task: Preparing SQL for a code review. You start from a compressed or single-line SQL query.. The tool returns the same query with clauses separated, keywords styled and subqueries indented., giving you a query you can proofread line by line before running it. you can edit rather than a blank page.
Make it yours: add one detail the tool cannot know - a real number, a name, a constraint - then read the result once end to end before you keep it.
Example 3: Reading a nested subquery clearly
The task: Reading a nested subquery clearly. You start from a compressed or single-line SQL query.. The tool returns the same query with clauses separated, keywords styled and subqueries indented., giving you a query you can proofread line by line before running it. you can edit rather than a blank page.
Make it yours: add one detail the tool cannot know - a real number, a name, a constraint - then read the result once end to end before you keep it.
Example 4: Normalising queries stored in migration files
The task: Normalising queries stored in migration files. You start from a compressed or single-line SQL query.. The tool returns the same query with clauses separated, keywords styled and subqueries indented., giving you a query you can proofread line by line before running it. you can edit rather than a blank page.
Make it yours: add one detail the tool cannot know - a real number, a name, a constraint - then read the result once end to end before you keep it.
Example 5: Indenting a long CTE before debugging
The task: Indenting a long CTE before debugging. You start from a compressed or single-line SQL query.. The tool returns the same query with clauses separated, keywords styled and subqueries indented., giving you a query you can proofread line by line before running it. you can edit rather than a blank page.
Make it yours: add one detail the tool cannot know - a real number, a name, a constraint - then read the result once end to end before you keep it.
A Full Worked Example
Input: select id,name from users where active=1 order by name;
SELECT id, name on line 1, FROM users on line 2, WHERE active = 1 on line 3 and ORDER BY name on line 4.
The pattern behind every example above: context and constraints go in, structure comes out, and your edit makes it true.
How to Build Your Own Examples
- Take a task already on your calendar for this week.
- Write the brief in two sentences: the job and the audience.
- Generate, compare against the version you would have written manually.
- Save the prompt alongside the result so the second run takes seconds.
Getting More From Each Example
Most people stop at the first result. Generate a second version with one changed variable - length, tone or angle - and compare. The better version usually appears on the second run, not the first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does formatting change the query result?
No - only the layout changes, so the database returns the same rows either way.
Which SQL constructs are supported?
Selects, joins, CTEs, subqueries and common clauses format well; vendor specific functions pass through untouched.
Can I reformat an entire script?
Yes - paste multiple statements and each one is laid out consistently.
Is my query stored?
No - formatting runs in your browser and nothing is uploaded.
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