SQL Formatter Options

Lists

The SQL Lists settings in the SQL Formatter Tool allow you to define how lists (such as column names, values, or expressions) are formatted in your SQL statements. These options help improve readability and align the output with your desired style or organizational standards.

Columns/Line

Specifies the number of columns or list items to display per line in the formatted SQL output.
Default value: 1 (each item appears on its own line).
Use this to control the vertical spacing of items in lists.

Example with `1` column per line:

				
					SELECT  
    column1,  
    column2,  
    column3  
FROM table;

Example with `2` columns per line:

				
					SELECT  
    column1, column2,  
    column3  
FROM table;

Comma Placement

Before Comma: Places the comma at the beginning of the next line when wrapping the list.
After Comma (default): Places the comma at the end of the current line before the line break.

Example: Before Comma:

				
					SELECT  
    column1  
  , column2  
  , column3  
FROM table;

Example: After Comma:

				
					SELECT  
    column1,  
    column2,  
    column3  
FROM table;

Double Pipe Placement (`||`)

Before ||: Aligns concatenation operators (||) at the start of the line when wrapping.
After ||: Keeps the concatenation operator at the end of the line before the line break.

How to Use These Settings

Set Columns/Line: Use the dropdown menu to select the desired number of items to display per line.
Choose Comma or || Placement:
- Select or deselect the checkboxes to enable or disable specific placement styles.
- The formatter will adjust the output based on your selections.

Tips for Optimal Usage

Use Single Columns for Clarity: When working with long lists, setting Columns/Line to 1 improves readability, especially for SELECT statements or VALUES clauses.
Choose Consistent Comma Placement: Align with team or organizational preferences (e.g., After Comma is common for readability).
Optimize for Concatenation (||): Use Before || for better alignment in long concatenated strings or expressions.