What is Text to SQL?

Text to SQL is an AI technology that lets you describe the data you want in natural language, and AI automatically generates the corresponding SQL query.

Example:

You say: “Find the top 10 products by sales last month”

AI generates:

SELECT product_name, SUM(sales_amount) as total_sales
FROM orders
WHERE order_date >= DATE_SUB(CURDATE(), INTERVAL 1 MONTH)
GROUP BY product_name
ORDER BY total_sales DESC
LIMIT 10;

This is a practical tool for those unfamiliar with SQL syntax or wanting to improve query efficiency.

Why Do You Need Text to SQL Tools?

Pain Point 1: Writing SQL is slow

Complex queries need repeated debugging. JOINs, window functions, subqueries… always checking documentation.

Pain Point 2: Can’t remember SQL syntax

MySQL, PostgreSQL, BigQuery have different syntax. Switching databases means re-learning.

Pain Point 3: Depending on others for data

Product managers want to see data, have to ask data analysts, wait days for results.

5 Text to SQL Tools Compared

1. ChatGPT / Claude

Pros:

• Free to use
• Strong understanding, handles complex descriptions
• Supports multiple database dialects

Cons:

• Can’t connect to databases directly
• Need to manually describe table structure
• Generated SQL needs verification

Best for: Ad-hoc queries, learning SQL, quick drafts

Price: Free / $20/month (Plus)

2. AI2SQL

Pros:

• Designed specifically for SQL generation
• Supports multiple databases
• Has Chrome extension

Cons:

• Free tier is limited
• Can’t connect to real databases

Best for: Daily SQL writing assistance

Price: Free / from $9/month

3. Outerbase

Pros:

• Can connect to real databases
• Has visual interface
• Supports team collaboration

Cons:

• Requires database connection setup
• Slightly higher learning curve

Best for: Team data collaboration, direct database queries

Price: Free / from $29/month

4. Vanna.ai

Pros:

• Open source, self-hostable
• Can train custom models
• Supports RAG enhancement

Cons:

• Requires technical skills to deploy
• Complex configuration

Best for: Tech teams, enterprises needing customization

Price: Open source free / cloud service paid

5. Amazon Q in QuickSight

Pros:

• Integrated with AWS ecosystem
• Enterprise-grade security
• Supports natural language Q&A

Cons:

• AWS users only
• Higher price

Best for: Companies already using AWS

Price: Pay per use

Comparison Summary

My Recommendation

If you’re an individual: Start with ChatGPT or Claude, free and sufficient.

If you need database connection: Try Outerbase, has free tier.

If you’re a tech team: Consider Vanna.ai, open source and customizable.

FAQ

Q: Is AI-generated SQL accurate?

A: Most simple queries are accurate, but complex queries should be manually verified. AI is an assistant, not a replacement.

Q: Will it leak my data?

A: If you’re only generating SQL (not connecting to database), no data leakage. Tools that connect to databases need security evaluation.

Q: Can it completely replace learning SQL?

A: No. Understanding SQL basics helps you use these tools better and verify if AI-generated results are correct.

Next Steps

1. Pick a tool and try it
2. Start with simple queries
3. Gradually try complex scenarios

Questions? Feel free to reach out.