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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

All of the information you could ever want to know about running SnowConvert.

What database platforms does SnowConvert translate SQL code from?

SnowConvert supports translations from SQL code from Teradata, Oracle, and SQL Server

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

Currently, users must request an access code from Snowflake that will unlock features in SnowConvert. This access can relate to either the assessment or conversion capabilities. With this release, the following will change:

  • Access codes will be requested directly within SnowConvert, and one will automatically be generated for the user.

  • Assessment and Conversion modes will be eliminated. Once activated, SnowConvert will generate both the assessment information and converted code in one, single step.

  • The generated access code will provide access to all supported platforms, not just one source platform, while the rest of the user experience will remain unchanged.

Since Snowflake is continually improving the quality of the output code, it is best practice to upgrade to the latest version of SnowConvert to benefit from the most up-to-date conversion rules.

If you are a current user of SnowConvert, our recommendation is to first uninstall the existing version, then re-download and install the new version.

How do I get SnowConvert?

SnowConvert can be downloaded once you have completed the free course "SnowConvert for Conversion". This course is both an overview and a technical hands on training of how to use SnowConvert for assessments and conversions.

Once you complete the course you will receive an email with the download instructions, and can generate an access code via the tool interface.

How do I get an access code for SnowConvert?

You can follow this guide How to Get an Access Code.

If you need special assistance, please get in touch with our customer support team at snowconvert-support@snowflake.com

What are the system requirements for using SnowConvert?

For MacOS

  • Ventura 13.3.1 or higher

  • 4 GB of RAM or higher*

For Windows

  • Windows 11 or later

  • 4 GB of RAM or higher*

How do I give permission to SnowConvert config folder?

Giving access to the configuration folder for SnowConvert varies from OS.

SnowConvert needs to have write, read and execute permission on the configuration folder ( .config for MacOs or AppData for Windows), here is where we store temporary files, logs and license information. In order to give access SnowConvert to this folder then we need to follow these steps:

For MacOs

  1. Open a Terminal window.

  2. Type cd ~ and hit enter.

  3. type chmod 777 .config If you get a message telling you something like Operation not permitted then execute command as sudo chmod 777 .config.

  4. Close the terminal window and open SnowConvert.

For Windows

  1. Press Windows key + R to launch the Run dialog window.

  2. Type in the following and click OK or press Enter: %AppData%

  3. Locate the Snowflake Inc folder and right click on it, make sure there is no check marks on the field Read-only under Attributes.

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

This issue applies to macOS only.

SnowConvert needs to have access (read, write, and execute) to the configuration folder ( .config for macOS), for storing temporary files, logs, and license information.

It is required for the .config to be a folder. If for any reason .config appears as a file, it must be changed to a folder with the necessary permissions.

Following these steps might solve the issue:

  1. Locate the .config file. It should be in '/Users/[Username]/'.

  2. Remove the .config file.

  3. Create a new folder named .config in the same location where the file was removed.

  4. Open a Terminal window.

  5. Type cd ~ and hit enter.

  6. type chmod 777 .config If you get a message telling you something like Operation not permitted then execute the command as sudo chmod 777 .config.

  7. Close the terminal window and open SnowConvert.

What is a Top-Level Code Unit?

A Code Unit, as the name suggests, is the most atomic, standalone executable element. In most cases, these are statements, but they also include script files as well because those are executed as a single element. Some Code Units can be nested inside other Code Units. When there is no other Code Unit above it in a hierarchy of Units, it's called a Top-Level Code Unit

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

Yes, you can find the translation reference for each source here:

What is the code completeness metric?

The Code Completeness score is an indication of how complete the provided code base is. Anything less than a score of 100 means SnowConvert identified missing object references in the code.

Are there release notes available for previous versions of SnowConvert?

Release notes can be find here: https://docs.snowconvert.com/sc/general/release-notes/release-notes

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

SnowConvert offers two functionality modes: Assessment Mode (free) and Conversion Mode (requires a Professional Service Engagement). Assessment mode allows analyzing code and converting tables for free. Conversion mode allows full conversion functionality of your workload.

Why SnowConvert is not auto-updating?

Internet connection

SnowConvert is an application that will let the end user know when there is a new version available to be downloaded, make sure that your system has a valid Internet connection. If there is still issues or you get an error just like the one above then it will be better to verify you have access to internet.

If you still have issues then there could be a Firewall rule blocking you.

Firewall Blocked

SnowConvert searches for new versions online, on an Azure Blob Storage account. This site may be blocked by a Firewall rule on your local environment. The best way to validate is if you visit this web site https://sctoolsartifacts.blob.core.windows.net/ if there is blocker, the web page should return a message like "Destination unreachable". For this case contact your network administrator to have the sctoolartifacts webpage on the white list.

How can I remove my licenses ?

If you need to remove all the licenses listed on SnowConvert you will need to delete the .profile file located on the config folder. The path of the file varies from Operating system, so make sure to follow the steps for your local system:

Windows

  • Close SnowConvert if you have it open.

  • Using your keyboard press: ⊞ Win + R this will open the Run command window and then type %appdata%\Snowflake Inc into it and hit enter.

  • Locate the file named .profile and delete the file.

MacOS

  • Close SnowConvert if you have it open

  • Open a finder window and press on your keyboard ⌘ + Shift ⇧ + G this will open the "Go to Folder", type ~/.config/Snowflake Inc/ this will open the config file

  • The file ".profile" should be listed here, on Mac, this file will be hidden, so make sure to enable the visibility of hidden files by pressing on your keyboard ⌘ + Shift ⇧ + .

  • Locate the file and delete it.

Once the file is properly deleted when you open SnowConvert you will have the license list empty.

Why I am not receiving an access code ?

SnowConvert uses an API to create access codes. If there is an error on this communication you will get a message like this:

SnowConvert requires both Inbound and outbound permissions to the API : https://api-sc-licensing-prod.azurewebsites.net/. Please contact you local network administrator so they can grant SnowConvert access.

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