Introduction

Writing SQL queries shouldn't be a formatting exercise. Yet many Databrain users tell us they spend more time tweaking SQL syntax than actually analyzing data. Custom queries that look perfectly fine in isolation often behave unpredictably when used with dashboard filters or visualization features. The result? Frustration, wasted time, and sometimes incorrect insights.

Cloud storage and data formats have come a long way, but let's face it—most embedded analytics tools still struggle with handling custom SQL efficiently. Instead of helping users leverage their SQL knowledge, these tools force them to learn platform-specific formatting requirements. The truth is much simpler: users just want their queries to work correctly, without becoming formatting experts.

That's why we're excited to announce Databrain's new AI-powered SQL Auto Formatting feature. This intelligent solution automatically transforms your custom SQL queries into our preferred format, ensuring they work seamlessly with all Databrain features while maintaining the original query logic. Now you can write SQL your way and let our AI handle the formatting details that make your queries perform optimally.

Why SQL Formatting Actually Matters

SQL formatting isn't just about making code look pretty. Our analysis revealed that inconsistently formatted SQL directly impacts how well queries interact with Databrain's core features.

When queries aren't properly formatted, users experience frustrating issues:

• Dashboard filters apply inconsistently or not at all
• Metric filters return incomplete data
• Dynamic properties fail to update correctly
• Group by and sort functions behave unpredictably

These aren't minor inconveniences—they fundamentally affect the reliability of your dashboards. Instead of forcing users to memorize our formatting guidelines, we have built an AI solution that handles this automatically.

How Databrain's SQL Auto Formatter Works

The new formatter does much more than just add line breaks and indentation. It uses machine learning to understand both the syntax and semantic meaning of your queries, then transforms them to work optimally with Databrain's features.

Engine-Aware SQL Transformation

Different databases have different SQL dialects and formatting requirements. Our AI formatter recognizes the underlying engine and applies the appropriate rules:

For Snowflake, it ensures proper double-quote identifier handling. With PostgreSQL, it manages schema references correctly. When working with BigQuery, it adapts to its unique JOIN syntax requirements.

This intelligent adaptation means your queries perform well regardless of your data source.

Standardized Formatting for Better Compatibility

Beyond engine-specific optimizations, the formatter applies consistent structural rules that improve compatibility with Databrain features:

Major SQL clauses like SELECT, FROM, and WHERE get placed on new lines for readability. Column references to receive descriptive aliases using the AS keyword. JOIN conditions are properly formatted and ordered for optimal performance.

The transformation can be dramatic. Here's a simple example:

SQL

/* Before formatting */
select o.id,o.total,c.name from orders o join customers c on o.cust_id=c.id;

/* After AI formatting */
SELECT
    o.id AS order_id,
    o.total AS order_total,
    c.name AS customer_name
FROM
    sales.orders AS o
INNER JOIN
    sales.customers AS c
    ON o.cust_id = c.id

These changes aren't just cosmetic—they directly impact how well the query integrates with Databrain's filtering and visualization features.

Real Benefits for Different Users

This feature delivers specific advantages depending on how you use Databrain:

For SQL Experts

If you're comfortable writing SQL, you can continue using your preferred style without worrying about Databrain-specific formatting rules. Write queries your way, click the format button, and let AI handle the conversion. This means spending less time debugging filter issues and more time getting insights from your data.

A data analyst at a financial services company told us: "I used to spend at least 15 minutes reformatting each query to work with dashboard filters. Now I just write my SQL as usual and let the formatter handle it."

For Business Users

If you occasionally need custom SQL or import queries from other sources, the formatter ensures these queries work consistently with Databrain features. No more technical problems when building dashboards or sharing reports—just reliable results regardless of the original SQL format.

For Data Teams

The formatter helps standardize SQL across your organization while reducing troubleshooting time for filter-related issues. Queries perform better without requiring manual optimization, creating a more consistent experience for everyone using Databrain.

Getting Started with AI SQL Formatting

Using the new feature is straightforward:

1. Enter your custom SQL in the query editor
2. Click the magic wand icon next to the “Format Query” button
3. The AI instantly transforms your query to follow Databrain's guidelines

The formatter preserves your query's logic while optimizing its structure for Databrain's features. This means your dashboards, filters, and visualizations will work more reliably with less manual intervention.

The AI SQL formatter is available now to all Databrain users at no additional cost. It's just one more way we're making embedded analytics simpler and more powerful for everyone.

Ready to spend less time formatting SQL and more time getting insights? Log in to your Databrain account and try the new AI-powered SQL formatter today.

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