Announcing the LocalStack for Snowflake 1.5 Release
LocalStack for Snowflake 1.5 introduces new SQL string functions, enhanced support for Iceberg tables with CTAS, and targeted parity improvements for window functions, large timestamps, and stage file operations for more accurate local Snowflake development.
Introduction
LocalStack for Snowflake 1.5 introduces practical enhancements, focusing on SQL function support and compatibility refinements. This release introduces commonly used string functions, expands Iceberg table capabilities with CTAS support, and enhances query execution behaviour across window functions, timestamp handling, and stage file operations.
Beyond functional additions, version 1.5 includes targeted parity improvements that refine how queries execute and how data is transferred, particularly for scenarios involving large timestamps, quoted file references, and aggregation over window specifications. These updates continue to strengthen the fidelity of local Snowflake development workflows.
Get your free LocalStack trial to access the latest features in LocalStack for Snowflake 1.5!
How to upgrade?
To upgrade to LocalStack for Snowflake 1.5 using the LocalStack CLI, run:
docker pull localstack/snowflake:1.5.0localstack start --stack snowflakeIf you’re using LocalStack for Snowflake with Docker CLI or Docker Compose, you can pin the image version in your docker run command or Docker Compose file to 1.5.0.
What’s new in LocalStack for Snowflake 1.5?
Support for Iceberg CTAS
The Snowflake emulator now supports CREATE TABLE AS SELECT (CTAS) for Iceberg tables, enabling developers to create and populate Iceberg tables directly from query results.
With this addition, you can now create Iceberg tables from existing tables or inline queries, expanding the flexibility for testing Iceberg-based workflows locally. The feature handles both explicit schema definitions and schema inference from query results.
Support for several new SQL functions
We have added support for several new SQL functions in LocalStack for Snowflake. The new functions include:
| Function | Notes |
|---|---|
| POSITION | Returns the position of a substring within a string. Also available as CHARINDEX alias. |
| CHARINDEX | Alias for POSITION. Returns the position of a substring within a string. |
| LEFT | Returns the leftmost characters from a string. |
| RIGHT | Returns the rightmost characters from a string. |
| LENGTH | Returns the length of a string or binary value. Also available as LEN alias. |
| LEN | Alias for LENGTH. Returns the length of a string or binary value. |
Improved parity with Snowflake
We have made several enhancements to LocalStack for Snowflake to improve compatibility with the Snowflake service. These include:
- Enhanced parity for
SELECT AVG OVER ROWSaggregate queries by improving handling of window specifications withROWS BETWEENclauses, ensuring correct processing of aggregate functions in windowed contexts. - Improved timestamp handling for timestamps with years greater than 9999 by introducing enhanced serialization and deserialization logic, enabling accurate representation and processing of large timestamp values.
- Enhanced parity for
GETexpressions with quoted file references by correctly parsing and handling quotedfile://paths in stage file operations, improving compatibility with various client quoting styles. - Improved parity for
GETcommands on single-stage files by correctly returning folder names in upload location information rather than full file paths, ensuring proper client-side file download behaviour.
Conclusion
LocalStack for Snowflake 1.5 continues to expand SQL function coverage and refine compatibility with incremental, focused improvements. The addition of essential string functions and Iceberg CTAS support, combined with targeted parity enhancements for timestamps and stage operations, makes local Snowflake development workflows more complete and reliable.
Sign up for a free trial or upgrade to LocalStack for Snowflake 1.5 to leverage these improvements in your local development environment.
