SQL Snippets

SQL Snippets let you define reusable SQL templates that expand automatically when you type a trigger key. This is useful for frequently written query patterns, standard clauses, or team-specific SQL conventions.

How Snippets Work

1. You define a snippet with a trigger key and a template
2. In the SQL editor, type the trigger key
3. DBX auto-completes the trigger to the full template
4. Placeholders in the template let you tab through editable positions

Creating A Snippet

Example Snippets

Here are some useful snippet templates to get started:

SELECT with common clauses:

SELECT ${1:columns}
FROM ${2:table}
WHERE ${3:condition}
ORDER BY ${4:column}

LEFT JOIN pattern:

LEFT JOIN ${1:table} ON ${2:left_alias}.${3:column} = ${4:right_alias}.${5:column}

COUNT with GROUP BY:

SELECT ${1:column}, COUNT(*) AS cnt
FROM ${2:table}
GROUP BY ${1:column}
HAVING COUNT(*) > ${3:threshold}
ORDER BY cnt DESC

CREATE TABLE template:

CREATE TABLE ${1:table_name} (
    ${2:id} INTEGER PRIMARY KEY,
    ${3:column} ${4:type}
);

Placeholders

Use ${1}, ${2}, etc. in templates to mark editable positions. After expansion, press Tab to jump between placeholders. Placeholders with the same number are edited simultaneously.

Tips

• Keep triggers short but memorable (3-6 characters works well)
• Use a consistent prefix for personal snippets (e.g., my_selall)
• Review expanded snippets before execution, especially on production databases
• Share useful snippets with your team for consistent query patterns