Introduction to SQLite

SQLite is an open-source, lightweight, fast, standalone, and highly reliable SQL database engine written in C. It provides a fully functional database solution. SQLite can run on almost all mobile devices and computers, and it is embedded in numerous applications used by millions of people every day.

Additionally, SQLite offers stable file formats, cross-platform capabilities, and backward compatibility. The developers of SQLite have committed to keeping the file format unchanged at least until 2050.

Introduction to SQLite0

Installing SQLite

You can download a suitable package for your target system from the official SQLite website.

After downloading and extracting the package, you will have access to the sqlite3 command-line tool, regardless of whether you are on Windows, Linux, or Mac OS.

SQLite Use Cases

SQLite differs from client/server type SQL database engines (such as MySQL, Oracle, PostgreSQL, or SQL Server) and addresses different needs.

Server-based SQL database engines are designed to provide shared storage of enterprise-level data, emphasizing scalability, concurrency, centralization, and control. In contrast, SQLite is often used for local data storage in personal applications and devices, focusing on economy, efficiency, reliability, independence, and simplicity.

Suitable Use Cases for SQLite:

Embedded Devices and IoT: SQLite does not require additional management or service startup, making it ideal for smart devices like phones, TVs, set-top boxes, game consoles, cameras, and watches.
Websites: Many low-traffic websites can use SQLite as a database. According to the official website, sites with fewer than 100,000 visits per day can run SQLite effectively. The SQLite official website itself uses SQLite as its database engine, handling around 500,000 HTTP requests daily, with about 15-20% involving database queries.
Data Analysis: The sqlite3 command-line tool easily interacts with CSV and Excel files, making it suitable for analyzing large datasets. Many programming languages, such as Python, have built-in SQLite support, enabling easy script writing for data manipulation.
Caching: SQLite can serve as a cache for application services, reducing the load on the central database.
Memory or Temporary Databases: Thanks to its simplicity and speed, SQLite is useful for demonstrations or daily testing.

Unsuitable Use Cases for SQLite Include:

Situations requiring remote access to the database. SQLite is a local file database with no remote access capability.
Scenarios demanding high availability and scalability. SQLite is simple and easy to use but not scalable.
When dealing with extremely large datasets. Although SQLite's database size limit is up to 281 TB, all data must be stored on a single disk.
High concurrency write operations. SQLite only allows one write operation at any given time, with other write operations queued.

Useful SQLite Resources

This tutorial lists websites and books about the SQLite database.

Useful SQLite Websites:

SQLite Home Page: The official SQLite website provides the latest SQLite installation versions, the latest SQLite news, and complete SQLite tutorials.
PHP SQLite3: This website offers complete details on PHP support for SQLite 3 databases.
SQLite JDBC Driver: SQLite JDBC, developed by Taro L. Saito, is a library for accessing and creating SQLite database files in Java.
DBD-SQLite-0.31: The SQLite Perl driver works with the Perl DBI module.
DBI-1.625: The Perl DBI module provides a universal interface for any database, including SQLite.
SQLite Python: The sqlite3 Python module, written by Gerhard Haring, provides a SQL interface compliant with the DB-API 2.0 specification.