At a glance
| Source databases | Oracle, SQL Server, MySQL, MariaDB, PostgreSQL, IBM Db2, Informix, Sybase ASE, Sybase SQL Anywhere (data transfer sources are a narrower list) |
| Target databases | Oracle, SQL Server, MySQL, MariaDB, PostgreSQL; Db2 as a data target for Oracle sources |
| Schema conversion | Yes: DDL and procedural code (SQL Converter); tables, constraints and indexes (SQLines Data) |
| Data migration | Yes (SQLines Data), offline with incremental WHERE filters; no change data capture documented |
| Automation and CLI | Command line with configuration files for both tools |
| Deployment | Local install on Windows or Linux (macOS arm64 for some releases); online converter in the browser |
| Licensing | Commercial perpetual licence from USD 495 covering both tools; evaluation downloads |
SQLines fits teams converting SQL scripts and stored procedures between Oracle, SQL Server, MySQL, MariaDB, PostgreSQL, Db2, Informix and Sybase who want a low-cost, locally run tool with a perpetual licence. The current builds are commercial; the open source code on GitHub has not been updated since December 2022, so treat it as historic.
Overview
SQLines is a small set of database migration tools. SQLines SQL Converter translates DDL, queries, DML, views, stored procedures, functions, packages and triggers from one SQL dialect to another, and can produce an assessment report of the data types, functions and statements found in the input. SQLines Data transfers tables and data between databases using native database clients, converting table definitions, constraints and indexes on the way.
Both are command-line tools driven by options and configuration files, with a desktop UI (SQLines Studio) for the converter and a browser-based converter on sqlines.com for small scripts. Downloads exist for 64-bit Windows and Linux, with macOS arm64 builds for some releases. An Apache 2.0 licensed open source version of the converter is on GitHub, but its last commits date from December 2022.
Key features
- Conversion of DDL, DML, queries, views, stored procedures, functions, packages and triggers between dialects
- Assessment report (sqlines_report.html) listing data types, built-in functions and statements found in the scripts
- SQLines Data: table, constraint and index conversion with global and custom data type mapping
- Parallel data transfer using native database clients, with data validation and restart of failed tables
- Incremental transfers through per-table WHERE conditions, column selection and custom queries
- Command line and configuration files (sqldata.cfg) for scripted runs
- Online converter in the browser on the SQLines website
Pros and cons
Pros
- Covers procedural code (procedures, functions, triggers, packages), not only tables
- Perpetual licence with published prices, covering both tools
- Runs locally and does not contact the internet for licence checks, according to the vendor
- Wide dialect coverage including older engines such as Informix and Sybase
Cons
- The current tools are commercial; the open source repository is inactive since 2022
- Data transfer is a bulk copy with WHERE filters; no ongoing replication or CDC is documented
- Converted procedural code still needs review and testing; the assessment report is the starting point, not the end
Pricing
One perpetual licence covers both SQLines SQL Converter and SQLines Data. As listed on the SQLines purchase page on 7 November 2026: USD 495 for one licence (renewal of support and new versions USD 375 a year), with volume prices down to USD 195 each for 10 licences, and an unlimited site licence at USD 9,995 (renewal USD 7,995). Licences are per user for direct use or per host for automated use. The downloads are evaluation versions: SQLines Data has full functionality but is not for production use, and the SQL Converter evaluation may add or change SQL comments in its output. A browser-based converter is also on the SQLines site; the site does not state its terms of use.
Pricing checked on the vendor's official page on 7 November 2026. Prices change; confirm before buying.
Who it is best for
Small teams and consultants converting SQL scripts and stored procedures between commercial and open source engines who prefer a scriptable, locally run tool with a one-off licence.
Who should look elsewhere
- Near-zero-downtime moves that need continuous replication: consider a managed service such as the AWS Database Migration Service.
- Oracle to PostgreSQL projects that want a free, open source tool with PL/SQL conversion: see Ora2Pg.
Verdict
SQLines is a practical, inexpensive converter for moving SQL code and data between many engines, with clear published prices. It is a batch tool rather than a replication service, and outside the evaluation builds and the online converter it needs a paid licence.
Frequently asked questions
Is SQLines free?
Not for production. The downloads are evaluation versions, and the site offers an online converter for small scripts without stating its terms. Production use of SQLines Data and the SQL Converter needs a commercial licence, listed from USD 495. An Apache 2.0 open source version of the converter exists on GitHub but has not been updated since December 2022.
What is the difference between SQLines SQL Converter and SQLines Data?
SQL Converter translates SQL text (DDL, queries, procedures, triggers) between dialects. SQLines Data connects to live databases and moves tables and rows, converting table definitions on the way. One licence covers both.
Sources
- SQLines home page
- SQLines SQL Converter overview
- SQLines Data
- SQLines downloads
- SQLines purchase and licensing
- SQLines open source repository (GitHub)
Checked November 2026.
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