SnowConvert: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What database platforms does SnowConvert translate SQL code from?

SnowConvert can translate SQL code from three major database platforms: Teradata, Oracle, and SQL Server to Snowflake.


With the release of version 1.2.0 what changes for current SnowConvert users?

To unlock SnowConvert features, users need to obtain an access code from Snowflake. This code enables either assessment or conversion functionalities. The following changes are being implemented in this release:

  • SnowConvert will automatically generate an access code when requested by the user.

  • The process has been simplified: SnowConvert will now produce both the assessment report and converted code in a single step, eliminating the need for separate Assessment and Conversion modes.

  • A single access code will now grant access to all supported platforms, rather than being limited to one source platform. All other aspects of the user experience remain the same.

To ensure you get the best conversion results, we recommend regularly updating to the latest version of SnowConvert. Each new version includes improved conversion rules and enhanced code quality.

Before installing a new version of SnowConvert, please uninstall any existing version from your system. After uninstalling, download and install the latest version.

How do I get SnowConvert?

SnowConvert is available for download after completing the free SnowConvert for Conversion. course. This course provides both an overview and practical training on using SnowConvert for assessments and conversions.

After completing the course, you will receive an email containing download instructions. You can then generate your access code through the tool’s interface.

How do I get an access code for SnowConvert?

You can obtain an access code by following the instructions in How to Get an Access Code.

If you require additional help, please contact our customer support team at snowconvert-support@snowflake.com


What are the system requirements for using SnowConvert?

For MacOS

  • macOS Ventura 13.3.1 or newer version

  • Minimum 4 GB of RAM

For Windows

  • Windows 11 or newer version of Windows operating system

  • Minimum of 4 GB RAM (more memory is recommended)


How do I give permission to SnowConvert config folder?

Providing access to the SnowConvert configuration folder depends on your operating system.

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SnowConvert requires read, write, and execute permissions for its configuration folder (.config on MacOS or AppData on Windows). This folder stores temporary files, logs, and license information. To grant SnowConvert access to this folder, follow these steps:

For MacOs

  1. Open a Terminal window.

  2. Navigate to your home directory by typing cd ~ and pressing Enter.

  3. Change the permissions of the .config directory by typing chmod 777 .config. If you receive a “Operation not permitted” error, run the command with sudo: sudo chmod 777 .config.

  4. Close the Terminal window and launch SnowConvert.

For Windows

  1. Open the Run dialog by pressing the Windows key + R on your keyboard.

  2. Enter %AppData% and press Enter or click OK.

  3. Find the Snowflake Inc folder, right-click on it, and verify that the Read-only checkbox under Attributes is unchecked.

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How do I make sure that .config is a folder instead of a file?

This problem only affects macOS systems.

The modal shown when .config is a file instead of a folder

SnowConvert requires read, write, and execute permissions for the configuration folder (.config on macOS). This folder is used to store temporary files, log files, and license information.

The .config must be a directory (folder). If you find that .config exists as a file, you need to convert it to a directory and set the appropriate permissions.

To resolve this issue, follow these steps:

  1. Find the .config file in your home directory at '/Users/[Username]/'.

  2. Delete the .config file.

  3. Create a new folder called .config in the same location.

  4. Launch Terminal.

  5. Navigate to your home directory by typing cd ~ and pressing Enter.

  6. Change folder permissions by typing chmod 777 .config. If you see an Operation not permitted error, use sudo chmod 777 .config instead.

  7. Exit Terminal and start SnowConvert.

What is a Top-Level Code Unit?

A Code Unit is the smallest independent piece of code that can be executed. While Code Units typically consist of individual statements, they can also be entire script files since these are executed as one unit. Code Units can be hierarchical, with some units contained within others. When a Code Unit is not nested within any other unit, it is referred to as a Top-Level Code Unit.


Does SnowConvert provide resources to understand how it translates SQL code?

You can find the translation reference for each source in the following locations:


What is the code completeness metric?

The Code Completeness score shows whether all necessary code components are present in your codebase. A score below 100 indicates that SnowConvert has detected missing object references that may be required for successful migration.


Are there release notes available for previous versions of SnowConvert?

Release notes are available here: release-notes


Is SnowConvert a free tool, or are there paid plans available?

SnowConvert has two operating modes:

  1. Assessment Mode (Free):

    • Analyzes your existing code

    • Converts table definitions

  2. Conversion Mode (Requires Professional Services):

    • Provides complete workload conversion capabilities

    • Includes all conversion features


Why SnowConvert is not auto-updating?

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Internet connection

SnowConvert automatically checks for new versions when you have an active internet connection. If you receive an error message, first verify that your system is connected to the internet and that the connection is working properly.

If you are still experiencing connection problems, it may be due to a Firewall rule blocking your access.

Firewall Blocked

SnowConvert checks for updates by connecting to an Azure Blob Storage account. If your local firewall blocks access to this site, you won’t be able to get updates. To check if the site is blocked, visit https://sctoolsartifacts.blob.core.windows.net/. If you see a “Destination unreachable” message, ask your network administrator to whitelist the sctoolartifacts website.


How can I remove my licenses ?

To remove all SnowConvert licenses, you need to delete the .profile file in the config folder. The file location depends on your operating system. Follow the steps specific to your operating system to locate and delete this file.

Windows

  • Exit SnowConvert completely.

  • Press the Windows key ( Win) and ‘R’ key together to open the Run command window. Type %appdata%Snowflake Inc and press Enter.

  • Find and delete the file named .profile.

MacOS

  • Exit SnowConvert if it is currently running

  • Open Finder and use the keyboard shortcut + Shift + G to open “Go to Folder”. Enter ~/.config/Snowflake Inc/ to access the configuration directory

  • Look for the “.profile” file. On Mac systems, this is a hidden file. To view hidden files, use the keyboard shortcut + Shift + .

  • Find and remove the “.profile” file

After deleting the file, when you open SnowConvert, you will see an empty license list.

Why I am not receiving an access code ?

SnowConvert communicates with an API to generate access codes. If this communication fails, you will receive an error message similar to this:

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To use SnowConvert, you need to ensure your network allows both incoming and outgoing connections to the licensing API at https://api-sc-licensing-prod.azurewebsites.net/. Please work with your network administrator to configure these permissions.