Developer Tool

DBLift

Flyway-style raw-SQL migrations for Python teams. No JVM, and you see the exact SQL before it runs.

CBy Cyrille MODIANOLaunched Oct 5, 2026 UTC0 comments

Overview

DBLift is an open-source database migration toolkit for Python teams. Version schema and data changes as raw SQL (or Python for engines like MongoDB), keep a history table, and preview what will run with dry-run / show-sql before apply. Works with pip and CI. Complements Django and Alembic rather than forcing a rip-and-replace.

Who is it for?

Developers, Enterprises, Small Businesses

Problem

Python teams that want to write their migrations in plain SQL end up choosing between a JVM tool like Flyway or a homegrown script that can keep going after a failed file. Neither fits nicely into a pip-based project or a Python CI pipeline.

Solution

DBLift is a pip-installable migration tool. You keep versioned SQL files (or Python migrations for engines like MongoDB), run them from the CLI, a Python API or the GitHub Action, and preview the exact SQL with a dry run before anything touches the database. If a migration fails, DBLift stops with a non-zero exit, so CI catches it. Teams coming from Flyway can import their existing history table and keep their checksums.

What makes it unique

It's Python-native: no JVM, and it installs with pip next to your app. Migrations stay as plain, reviewable SQL instead of ORM-generated code. It imports existing Flyway history, so switching doesn't mean starting over. There's also an MCP server, so AI assistants can inspect migration status or do a dry run. The core is open source; Pro adds SQL review and drift detection.

Screenshots

Screenshot 1 of 5

FAQ

Is DBLift free?

Yes. The core CLI is open source and installs with pip install dblift. Pro and Enterprise add SQL review, drift detection and team features.

Do I need Java?

No. DBLift is pure Python, so there's no JVM to install in your app or your CI images.

Can I move from Flyway without starting over?

Yes. DBLift imports your existing Flyway history table and keeps the checksums, so already-applied migrations are recognized and only new ones run.

Which databases are supported?

PostgreSQL, MySQL, SQLite and MongoDB, among others. The full list is at docs.dblift.com.

How do I run it in CI?

Use the GitHub Action dblift/action@v1 or run the CLI directly. A failed migration exits non-zero, so the pipeline stops.

Alternative To

Flyway Liquibase Bytebase

Discussion

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