How do I convert SQL to Rails ActiveRecord?

Simply paste your SQL query into our converter tool and click 'Convert to ActiveRecord'. The tool will instantly generate the equivalent Rails ActiveRecord code. Our converter supports all major SQL operations including SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE, JOINs, and subqueries.

Is the SQL to ActiveRecord converter free?

Yes, our SQL to ActiveRecord converter is 100% free to use. No sign-up, registration, or credit card required. You can convert unlimited SQL queries to ActiveRecord code instantly.

What SQL queries are supported?

We support all major SQL operations: SELECT queries with WHERE clauses, JOIN operations (INNER, LEFT, RIGHT), INSERT statements, UPDATE operations, DELETE queries, subqueries, aggregate functions (COUNT, SUM, AVG), GROUP BY, ORDER BY, and complex conditional logic.

How accurate is the SQL to ActiveRecord conversion?

Our converter handles most common SQL patterns with high accuracy. For complex queries involving advanced SQL features, we recommend reviewing and testing the generated ActiveRecord code. The tool is continuously improved based on user feedback.

Can I convert PostgreSQL, MySQL, and SQLite queries?

Yes, our converter works with SQL from PostgreSQL, MySQL, SQLite, and other standard SQL databases. ActiveRecord provides database-agnostic query methods that work across different database systems.

Do I need to install anything to use the converter?

No installation required! Our SQL to ActiveRecord converter is a web-based tool that works directly in your browser. Just visit our website, paste your SQL query, and get instant results.

How do I handle complex JOINs in ActiveRecord?

ActiveRecord provides several methods for JOINs: use .joins() for INNER JOINs, .left_joins() for LEFT JOINs, and leverage Rails associations whenever possible. Our converter automatically translates JOIN syntax to the appropriate ActiveRecord methods.

What if my converted ActiveRecord code doesn't work?

First, ensure your Rails models and associations are properly set up. Check that column names match your database schema. For complex queries, you may need to adjust the generated code. Visit our guide for detailed examples and troubleshooting tips.

How do I convert INSERT statements to ActiveRecord?

INSERT statements are converted to ActiveRecord create or new methods. Single inserts become Model.create(attributes), while bulk inserts use Model.insert_all(array_of_attributes). Our converter handles both single and batch operations automatically.

Can I convert UPDATE and DELETE queries?

Yes! UPDATE queries become Model.where(conditions).update_all(changes) or Model.update(id, attributes). DELETE queries are converted to Model.where(conditions).delete_all or Model.destroy(id) depending on the SQL pattern.

What about aggregate functions like COUNT, SUM, AVG?

Aggregate functions are fully supported. COUNT(*) becomes Model.count, SUM(column) becomes Model.sum(:column), AVG(column) becomes Model.average(:column). GROUP BY clauses are converted to .group(:column) chaining.

How are subqueries handled in the conversion?

Subqueries are converted to ActiveRecord's where with subquery syntax or leveraging associations. Complex subqueries might use .where('EXISTS (?)' subquery) or .joins() with nested queries depending on the SQL structure.

SQL to ActiveRecord Examples

Learn how to convert common SQL queries to Rails ActiveRecord with these practical examples. Each example shows the SQL query and its equivalent ActiveRecord code.

Note: Our converter is continuously improving. While it handles most common SQL patterns accurately, complex queries may require manual review. Always test the generated ActiveRecord code in your application.

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Basic Queries

Simple SELECT with WHERE

Find all active users

SQL Query:

SELECT * FROM users WHERE active = true

ActiveRecord:

User.where(active: true)

SELECT with Multiple Conditions

Find users with specific criteria using modern Ruby range syntax

SQL Query:

SELECT * FROM users WHERE age > 18 AND city = 'New York'

ActiveRecord:

User.where(city: New York, age: (19..))

SELECT with IN clause

Find users with specific IDs

SQL Query:

SELECT * FROM users WHERE id IN (1, 2, 3, 4, 5)

ActiveRecord:

User.where(id: [1, 2, 3, 4, 5])

Ordering and Limiting

ORDER BY with LIMIT

Get the 10 most recent posts

SQL Query:

SELECT * FROM posts ORDER BY created_at DESC LIMIT 10

ActiveRecord:

Post.order(created_at: :desc).limit(10)

OFFSET with LIMIT

Pagination - skip first 20 results

SQL Query:

SELECT * FROM products LIMIT 10 OFFSET 20

ActiveRecord:

Product.limit(10).offset(20)

Multiple Column Ordering

Sort by multiple columns

SQL Query:

SELECT * FROM users ORDER BY last_name ASC, first_name ASC

ActiveRecord:

User.order(:last_name, :first_name)

Joins and Associations

INNER JOIN with SELECT

Join users with their posts and select specific columns

SQL Query:

SELECT users.*, posts.* FROM users JOIN posts ON users.id = posts.user_id

ActiveRecord:

User.joins(:posts).select("users.*, posts.*")

LEFT JOIN with SELECT

Include users even if they have no posts

SQL Query:

SELECT users.* FROM users LEFT JOIN posts ON users.id = posts.user_id

ActiveRecord:

User.left_joins(:posts).select("users.*")

JOIN with WHERE

Join with additional conditions

SQL Query:

SELECT users.* FROM users JOIN posts ON users.id = posts.user_id WHERE posts.published = true

ActiveRecord:

User.joins(:posts).where(posts: { published: true }).select("users.*")

Aggregations

COUNT

Count total number of users

SQL Query:

SELECT COUNT(*) FROM users

ActiveRecord:

User.count

GROUP BY with COUNT

Count posts by user

SQL Query:

SELECT user_id, COUNT(*) FROM posts GROUP BY user_id

ActiveRecord:

Post.group(:user_id).count

SUM with GROUP BY

Total order amount by user

SQL Query:

SELECT user_id, SUM(amount) FROM orders GROUP BY user_id

ActiveRecord:

Order.group(:user_id).sum(:amount)

Advanced Queries

Range Conditions

Using modern Ruby range syntax for numeric comparisons

SQL Query:

SELECT * FROM products WHERE price >= 100

ActiveRecord:

Product.where(price: (100..))

BETWEEN Clause

Find records within a range

SQL Query:

SELECT * FROM orders WHERE total BETWEEN 50 AND 200

ActiveRecord:

Order.where('total BETWEEN ? AND ?', 50, 200)

IS NULL Check

Find records with null values

SQL Query:

SELECT * FROM users WHERE email IS NULL

ActiveRecord:

User.where(email: nil)

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