SQL Escape Unescape

SQL Escape Unescape - Escape and Unescape SQL Strings Online

Escape and unescape SQL strings instantly with our free online SQL escape/unescape tool. Properly handle single quotes, backslashes, and special characters in SQL strings to prevent SQL injection attacks and ensure correct SQL syntax. Whether you're building SQL queries, testing database operations, or learning SQL string handling, our tool makes it easy to escape and unescape SQL strings.

What is SQL Escaping?

SQL escaping is the process of converting special characters in strings to their escaped equivalents so they can be safely used in SQL queries. The most common SQL escaping involves doubling single quotes (' becomes '') to prevent SQL injection attacks and ensure proper string handling in SQL statements.

Why is SQL Escaping Important?

Security - Preventing SQL Injection

SQL escaping is crucial for preventing SQL injection attacks, one of the most common web application vulnerabilities. When user input is not properly escaped, attackers can inject malicious SQL code that can compromise your database.

Correct SQL Syntax

SQL escaping ensures that strings containing special characters (like single quotes) are properly formatted for SQL queries, preventing syntax errors and ensuring queries execute correctly.

How SQL Escaping Works

Single Quote Escaping

In SQL, single quotes are used to delimit string literals. To include a single quote within a string, you must escape it by doubling it:

• Original: O'Brien
• Escaped: O''Brien

Backslash Escaping

Some databases (like MySQL and PostgreSQL) also require backslashes to be escaped:

• Original: C:\Users\Documents
• Escaped: C:\\Users\\Documents

Database-Specific Escaping

SQL Server

SQL Server uses only single quote escaping. Single quotes are doubled (' becomes '').

MySQL

MySQL supports both single quote escaping and backslash escaping. You can use either method, but single quote doubling is more standard.

PostgreSQL

PostgreSQL uses single quote escaping (doubling) and also supports backslash escaping in certain contexts.

How to Use the SQL Escape Unescape Tool

1. Enter your text: Paste or type the text you want to escape or unescape
2. Choose mode: Select "Escape" to escape SQL strings or "Unescape" to remove escaping
3. Configure options: Enable backslash escaping if needed for MySQL or PostgreSQL
4. View results: The escaped or unescaped text appears automatically in the output area
5. Copy or download: Use the copy button or download the result as a text file
6. Swap mode: Use the swap button to quickly switch between input and output

Key Features of Our SQL Escape Unescape Tool

⚡ Real-time Processing

See escaped or unescaped results instantly as you type. No need to click buttons - the conversion happens automatically with optimized performance.

🔄 Bidirectional Conversion

Escape SQL strings or unescape them back to original text with a simple mode selection.

🗄️ Database Support

Support for SQL Server, MySQL, and PostgreSQL with optional backslash escaping for MySQL and PostgreSQL.

📊 Conversion Statistics

See input/output length, character count changes, and number of quotes escaped for better understanding.

📋 Copy & Download

Copy the escaped or unescaped result to your clipboard or download it as a text file.

🔒 Privacy & Security

All processing happens entirely in your browser. We don't store, log, or transmit your data to our servers.

Example SQL Escaping

Before Escaping:

O'Brien's Restaurant
He said "Hello World"
Path: C:\Users\Documents\file.txt

After Escaping (SQL Server):

O''Brien''s Restaurant
He said "Hello World"
Path: C:\Users\Documents\file.txt

After Escaping (MySQL/PostgreSQL with backslash):

O''Brien''s Restaurant
He said "Hello World"
Path: C:\\Users\\Documents\\file.txt

Important Security Note

⚠️ Always use parameterized queries (prepared statements) in production code! While SQL escaping helps prevent some SQL injection attacks, parameterized queries are the recommended and most secure method for handling user input in SQL queries. This tool is intended for:

• Learning and understanding SQL escaping
• Testing and debugging SQL queries
• Legacy code maintenance
• Quick reference and validation

Common Use Cases

SQL Query Building

Escape strings before inserting them into SQL queries to ensure proper syntax and prevent errors.

SQL Injection Prevention

Escape user input before using it in SQL queries to prevent SQL injection attacks (though parameterized queries are preferred).

Database Testing

Test SQL queries with various special characters to ensure proper escaping and handling.

Data Migration

Escape strings during data migration or import operations to ensure data integrity.

Legacy Code Maintenance

Work with legacy code that uses string concatenation for SQL queries and needs proper escaping.

Learning and Education

Learn how SQL escaping works and understand the importance of proper string handling in SQL.

Tips for Best Results

• Use parameterized queries: Always prefer parameterized queries over string escaping in production code
• Database-specific options: Enable backslash escaping for MySQL and PostgreSQL if needed
• Test thoroughly: Test escaped strings with your specific database to ensure compatibility
• Double-check output: Verify that escaped strings work correctly in your SQL queries
• Consider context: Remember that escaping rules may vary depending on the SQL context (string literals, identifiers, etc.)