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use natural language to generate sql queries

use natural language to generate sql queries
Sheldon Niu
Sheldon Niu

With the power of Large Language Models (LLMs) and the technology of Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), it's now possible to generate SQL using AI through natural language.

If you can query your SQL databases using natural language, then you will:

  • Eliminate the need to spend time writing and debugging SQL.
  • Enable non-technical team members to gain data insights without the assistance of engineers.
  • Avoid the expense and effort of using and building BI dashboards in Retool, Tableau, or PowerBI.

In this article, we will explore several typical natural language to SQL technologies and provide the simplest method for integrating SQL generation capabilities into your team.

Currently, there are several ways to generate SQL queries using AI:

  1. Utilize tools like Langchain to connect LLMs to SQL Databases. For more information, refer here.
  2. Use tools like Streamlit to build your data apps. This approach is beneficial if you aim to create a dashboard with a custom UI.
  3. Opt for a specific tool like AskYourDatabase; install, connect, and start asking. No coding or setup is required.

If you're interested in building a natural language to SQL converter from scratch, desire full control over it, and possess Python coding skills, Langchain is an excellent choice.

If your goal is to develop a dashboard with a custom UI, Streamlit is also a good option (Python coding is required).

For those seeking an out-of-the-box, ready-to-use solution, AskYourDatabase is the best choice available. Here's why:

Introducing AskYourDatabase
Introducing AskYourDatabase

Out of the box

An out-of-the-box solution involves simply installing the app, connecting it to your database, and you can start asking:

Chat with your databases remarkbly fask
Chat with your databases remarkbly fask

Works with your favorite databases


AskYourDatabase supports various types of databases, currently including MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQL Server, MongoDB, and Snowflake.

More database types, like Oracle, are also coming soon.


Built-in data visualization

Creating a custom database chatbot often makes it challenging to implement data visualization capabilities, yet this should be a core feature in data analysis.

AskYourDatabase offers built-in data visualization. You can obtain a visual simply by asking:

Get data visualization by asking question
Get data visualization by asking question

Integrate into Your Site

AskYourDatabase can also be integrated into your existing web application, which is crucial if you aim to enable your customers to explore data within your website.

Whether for internal use or customer-facing analytics, AskYourDatabase has got you covered:

Integrate AskYourDatabase into your site
Integrate AskYourDatabase into your site

Not a plain texttosql converter


There are numerous Text2SQL converters available, almost all of which offer a plain text to SQL generator. Typically, what you receive is just the SQL query, and you still have to execute the SQL yourself.

However, with AskYourDatabase, you can genuinely interact with your databases. The Large Language Model will autonomously query your database, fetch the results, and explain the findings to you:

Chat with SQL databases
Chat with SQL databases

Conclusion

There are numerous ways to generate SQL queries or query SQL databases using natural languages, but selecting the right tech stack is crucial. Some options are highly customizable but require coding skills and considerable effort.

If you are looking for a simple and easy-to-use solution, then AskYourDatabase is the best choice.

If you aim to build a dashboard data app, then Streamlit may be a good combination.

And if you want to build it from scratch, then open-source libraries like LangChain are a good starting point.


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