All About SQL Formatting
When you need SQL Formatter
When analyzing slow queries, code review, documenting SQL logic. A 500-character single-line query is unreadable. Formatted one is clear at first glance.
SQL formatting standards
No single standard exists, but there are common practices: uppercase keywords, each JOIN on new line, WHERE conditions indented, commas at start or end of line (depends on team).
SQL in team development
Agree on formatting style in your team. Use linters (sqlfluff, sql-lint) and formatters in CI/CD. Consistent style simplifies code review and reduces merge conflicts.
Optimization through formatting
Formatted SQL is easier to optimize. You see JOIN structure, understand WHERE filtering order, notice redundant subqueries. Readable code is the first step to fast code.
Tools for SQL
IDEs: DataGrip, DBeaver, Azure Data Studio. Formatters: sqlformat, pg_format, sql-formatter-cli. Linters: sqlfluff, sql-lint. Online tools for quick tasks.