lookup> .sql

.SQL·File Extension

SQL Script — Structured Query Language script or database dump.

Data & Textapplication/sql
Extension.sql
File typeSQL Script
CategoryData & Text
Charset—
Compressible—
Format familysql

What is a .sql file?

A .sql file is a SQL Script — Structured Query Language script or database dump.

In the mime-db registry it maps to application/sql. When serving .sql over HTTP, set the Content-Type header as shown in Developer info below.

Related entities: it maps to application/sql and is used by PLpgSQL, PLSQL among others — and is delivered over HTTP via the Content-Type header.

  • Use VS Code or DataGrip to open and edit .sql files.
  • Any text editor (Notepad, VS Code) can inspect the raw content as text.

When served over HTTP, responses should set the following header:

Content-Type: application/sql

Common software that reads/writes .sql:

VS CodeDataGrippsql
.sqlextension of
format
sqlserved as
mime type
application/sqlsent via header
http header
  • Configuration files
  • Data interchange between systems
  • API request and response payloads
  • Logs and data exports
  • Open the file with VS Code, make your changes and save.
  • Most editors preserve the original formatting and encoding — avoid changing the charset.
  • Create a new file and save it with the .sql extension, or export this format from VS Code.
SELECT name, age
FROM users
WHERE active = true;

What programs can open .sql files?

Common options include VS Code, DataGrip, psql. You can also open many of these files with built-in viewers or a browser.

How do I create a .sql file?

Create a new file in any text editor or the app that owns the format and save it with the .sql extension.

What is the relationship between .sql and the application/sql MIME type?

application/sql is the media type identifier used for .sql files during network transfer (for example in the HTTP Content-Type header).

Updated 2026-09-13

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