The Format Query Function Will Break Regex

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The Format Query Function Will Break Regex: A Critical Issue in SQLPro

As a developer, you rely on the accuracy and reliability of your tools to ensure that your code runs smoothly and efficiently. However, sometimes even the most well-intentioned features can have unintended consequences. In this article, we will explore a critical issue in SQLPro, a popular SQL client for PostgreSQL, where the "Format Query" function can break regex in the WHERE clause. We will delve into the details of the bug, provide a step-by-step guide to reproduce the issue, and discuss the expected behavior.

The "Format Query" function in SQLPro is designed to improve the readability of SQL statements by formatting them in a more human-friendly way. However, in certain cases, this function can have a devastating effect on regex used in the WHERE clause. Specifically, it can separate the exclamation mark (!) from the equal sign (=) in regex patterns, resulting in an invalid statement.

To reproduce this issue, follow these steps:

  1. Create an SQL statement: Craft an SQL statement that includes a regex pattern in the WHERE clause. For example:
SELECT * FROM products WHERE p.productname !~ 'product1';

In this statement, the regex pattern !~ is used to match any product name that does not contain the string 'product1'.

  1. Run Format Query: Open the SQL statement in SQLPro and run the "Format Query" function. This will format the statement in a more readable way.

  2. Observe the result: After running the "Format Query" function, you will notice that the regex pattern !~ has been separated into ! and ~. The resulting statement will look like this:

SELECT * FROM products WHERE p.productname !  ~ 'product1';

As you can see, the exclamation mark (!) has been separated from the equal sign (=), resulting in an invalid statement.

ERROR: operator is not unique: ~ unknown

When you try to execute the formatted statement, you will encounter an error:

ERROR:  operator is not unique: ~ unknown
LINE 25:    AND p.productname !  ~ 'product1'
                                ^
HINT:  Could not choose a best candidate operator. You might need to add explicit type casts.

This error message indicates that the PostgreSQL server is unable to determine the correct operator for the ~ symbol, which is a regex operator.

The expected behavior of the "Format Query" function is to preserve the original regex pattern, including the exclamation mark (!) and the equal sign (=). This would ensure that the statement remains valid and can be executed without errors.

To reproduce this issue, you will need the following environment:

  • Device: MacBook Pro
  • OS: macOS 15.4.1
  • SQLPro app Version: 2025.9 (Build 111120)
  • Installation source: App Store
  • Target database server: PostgreSQL

In conclusion, the "Format Query" function in SQLPro can break regex in the WHERE clause, in an invalid statement. This issue can be reproduced by creating an SQL statement with a regex pattern, running the "Format Query" function, and observing the resulting statement. The expected behavior is for the function to preserve the original regex pattern, ensuring that the statement remains valid. We hope that this article has raised awareness about this critical issue and will prompt the SQLPro developers to address it in future updates.

If you are experiencing this issue, we recommend the following:

  • Avoid using the "Format Query" function: Until this issue is resolved, it is best to avoid using the "Format Query" function when working with regex patterns in the WHERE clause.
  • Use a different SQL client: If you are experiencing this issue frequently, you may want to consider using a different SQL client that does not have this limitation.
  • Report the issue: If you have not already done so, please report this issue to the SQLPro developers so that they can address it in future updates.

By following these recommendations, you can minimize the impact of this issue and ensure that your SQL statements are executed correctly.
The Format Query Function Will Break Regex: A Q&A Article

In our previous article, we explored a critical issue in SQLPro, a popular SQL client for PostgreSQL, where the "Format Query" function can break regex in the WHERE clause. We provided a step-by-step guide to reproduce the issue and discussed the expected behavior. In this article, we will answer some frequently asked questions (FAQs) related to this issue.

Q: What is the "Format Query" function in SQLPro?

A: The "Format Query" function in SQLPro is designed to improve the readability of SQL statements by formatting them in a more human-friendly way. It can format the SQL statement to make it easier to read and understand.

Q: What is the issue with the "Format Query" function?

A: The issue with the "Format Query" function is that it can separate the exclamation mark (!) from the equal sign (=) in regex patterns, resulting in an invalid statement.

Q: How can I reproduce the issue?

A: To reproduce the issue, follow these steps:

  1. Create an SQL statement that includes a regex pattern in the WHERE clause.
  2. Run the "Format Query" function on the statement.
  3. Observe the resulting statement, which should have the exclamation mark (!) separated from the equal sign (=).

Q: What is the error message I get when I try to execute the formatted statement?

A: The error message you get when you try to execute the formatted statement is:

ERROR:  operator is not unique: ~ unknown
LINE 25:    AND p.productname !  ~ 'product1'
                                ^
HINT:  Could not choose a best candidate operator. You might need to add explicit type casts.

Q: What is the expected behavior of the "Format Query" function?

A: The expected behavior of the "Format Query" function is to preserve the original regex pattern, including the exclamation mark (!) and the equal sign (=).

Q: How can I avoid this issue?

A: To avoid this issue, you can:

  • Avoid using the "Format Query" function when working with regex patterns in the WHERE clause.
  • Use a different SQL client that does not have this limitation.
  • Report the issue to the SQLPro developers so that they can address it in future updates.

Q: Is this issue specific to SQLPro?

A: No, this issue is not specific to SQLPro. It can occur in any SQL client that uses the "Format Query" function.

Q: Can I fix this issue by modifying the SQL statement?

A: Yes, you can fix this issue by modifying the SQL statement to avoid using the "Format Query" function or by adding explicit type casts to the regex pattern.

Q: How can I report this issue to the SQLPro developers?

A: To report this issue to the SQLPro developers, you can:

  • Visit the SQLPro website and submit a support ticket.
  • Contact the SQLPro support team directly.
  • Post about the issue on the SQLPro forums or social media channels.

By following these steps and reporting the issue, you can help the SQLPro developers to address this critical issue and provide a better experience for users.