Best LLMs For SQL Generation: Overview, Tables and Costs

Best LLMs For SQL Generation: Overview, Tables and Costs

November 22, 2024 Hugo Huijer
As someone deeply interested in AI and database management, I've been researching the best Language Learning Models (LLMs) for SQL generation. While I haven't personally tested all these models, I've gathered data from reliable sources to help you make an informed decision. Let's dive into which LLMs might be your best bet for generating SQL queries in 2024.

What are the best LLMs for SQL Generation?

When it comes to generating SQL queries, not all LLMs are created equal. Some excel at understanding complex database schemas, while others might be more cost-effective for simpler queries. I've analyzed various models and selected the top 5 that stand out for different needs and budgets.
ModelContext WindowPrice (Input/Output)Best For
Claude 3 Opus200K tokens$15/$75 per 1M tokensEnterprise & Complex Queries
Gemini 1.5 Pro Preview1M tokens$0.08/$0.31 per 1M tokensHigh Volume & Value
Mistral Large Latest128K tokens$3/$9 per 1M tokensProfessional Development
Claude 3 Haiku200K tokens$0.25/$1.25 per 1M tokensQuick Prototyping
GPT-4 Mini128K tokens$0.15/$0.6 per 1M tokensBalanced Performance
Anthropic Logo

Anthropic - Claude 3 Opus

If budget isn't your primary concern and you need the absolute best in SQL generation, Claude 3 Opus is your go-to choice. It's like having a senior database engineer at your fingertips - one that never gets tired of explaining complex queries or suggesting optimizations.
Nameclaude-3-opus-20240229
Context Window200K tokens
Pricing$15/$75 per 1M tokens
Google Gemini Logo

Google - Gemini 1.5 Pro Preview

Here's a surprising contender - Gemini 1.5 Pro Preview offers an incredible bang for your buck. With its massive 1M token context window, you can throw entire database schemas at it and still have room for detailed query requirements.
Namegemini-1.5-pro-preview-0514
Context Window1M tokens
Pricing$0.08/$0.31 per 1M tokens
Mistral Logo

Mistral - Mistral Large Latest

Mistral Large Latest sits comfortably in the middle ground, offering solid performance without breaking the bank. It's like getting a reliable mid-range car - it'll get you where you need to go with style, just without the luxury price tag.
Namemistral-large-latest
Context Window128K tokens
Pricing$3/$9 per 1M tokens
Anthropic Logo

Anthropic - Claude 3 Haiku

Don't let the "budget" label fool you - Claude 3 Haiku is a powerhouse for quick SQL generation tasks. It's perfect when you need to rapidly prototype queries or generate multiple variations of similar SQL statements.
Nameclaude-3-haiku-20240307
Context Window200K tokens
Pricing$0.25/$1.25 per 1M tokens
OpenAI Logo

OpenAI - GPT-4 Mini

GPT-4 Mini strikes an excellent balance between cost and capability. If you're already in the OpenAI ecosystem, this model offers familiar reliability with a reasonable price tag.
Namegpt-4o-mini
Context Window128K tokens
Pricing$0.15/$0.6 per 1M tokens

These LLMs represent the current state of the art in SQL generation, each with its own sweet spot in terms of capabilities and cost. Remember, the "best" choice really depends on your specific needs - whether that's handling complex queries, optimizing for cost, or finding the right balance between the two. Keep in mind that this field moves quickly, so while these recommendations are current as of my research, it's worth checking the latest updates and benchmarks for the most up-to-date information.

Happy SQL generating! 🚀

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