Former is a desktop/web SQL editor with a copilot experience designed specifically for writing SQL. It was created as a 10x better alternative to the workflow of copy pasting database context and SQL into and out of ChatGPT.

Instead of using an external AI that knows nothing about your database, Former provides you with AI assistance embedded in your SQL editor, with an AI that knows everything about your database and the nuances of working with your schema.

The fastest way to get started with Former is by visting Former Labs to download the desktop client. This package will use a cloud hosted instance of Former for account and workspace management, but all database connections and query results will remain local and secure.

Former Cloud offers a generous free tier with a 14 day trial period of Former Pro. After the trial period ends, you are welcome to start paying for Former Pro, continue on the free tier, or switch to the self hosted option.

Former Cloud also hosts a web alternative to the desktop client that does not support query execution or database connections for security reasons, this is mainly at large enterprises where there is sometimes a long process to approve software to download. You can access the web hosted alternative on our website.

You can self-host and build your own instance of Former for free. Former is packaged as an Electron app with a NextJS server and can be compiled for Windows and MacOS.

You can build the app for your local machine with:

npm run electron:make

To host the server, follow typical instructions for a NextJS deployment (we recommend Vercel free tier). You will also need to modify the server domain pointed to by the Electron app and spin up a free (hobby) Supabase instance for account and database management.

To make changes to your local instance or self hosted server, see the Contributing section.

You can contribute to Former by:

• Submit a feature request or bug report
• Opening a Pull Request

Bug reports and feature requests are especially welcome and all will be considered! If there is some blocker preventing your from using Former (e.g. unsupported database), feel free to open an issue and we will do our best to add support.

To make changes, run the server locally with:

npm run dev

The Electron app can be self hosted with:

npm run electron:dev