- SQLite Tutorial
- SQLite - Home
- SQLite - Overview
- SQLite - Installation
- SQLite - Commands
- SQLite - Syntax
- SQLite - Data Type
- SQLite - CREATE Database
- SQLite - ATTACH Database
- SQLite - DETACH Database
- SQLite - CREATE Table
- SQLite - DROP Table
- SQLite - INSERT Query
- SQLite - SELECT Query
- SQLite - Operators
- SQLite - Expressions
- SQLite - WHERE Clause
- SQLite - AND & OR Clauses
- SQLite - UPDATE Query
- SQLite - DELETE Query
- SQLite - LIKE Clause
- SQLite - GLOB Clause
- SQLite - LIMIT Clause
- SQLite - ORDER By Clause
- SQLite - GROUP By Clause
- SQLite - HAVING Clause
- SQLite - DISTINCT Keyword
- Advanced SQLite
- SQLite - PRAGMA
- SQLite - Constraints
- SQLite - JOINS
- SQLite - UNIONS Clause
- SQLite - NULL Values
- SQLite - ALIAS Syntax
- SQLite - Triggers
- SQLite - Indexes
- SQLite - INDEXED By Clause
- SQLite - ALTER Command
- SQLite - TRUNCATE Command
- SQLite - Views
- SQLite - Transactions
- SQLite - Subqueries
- SQLite - AUTOINCREMENT
- SQLite - Injection
- SQLite - EXPLAIN
- SQLite - VACUUM
- SQLite - Date & Time
- SQLite - Useful Functions
SQLite is a software library that implements a self-contained, serverless, zero-configuration, transactional SQL database engine. SQLite is the most widely deployed SQL database engine in the world. The source code for SQLite is in the public domain. This tutorial will give you a quick start with SQLite and make you comfortable with SQLite programming.
This tutorial has been prepared for beginners to help them understand the basic-to-advanced concepts related to SQLite Database Engine.
Before you start practicing various types of examples given in this reference, we assume that you are already aware about what is a database, especially RDBMS and what is a computer programming language.
Frequently Asked Questions about SQLite
There are some very Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ) about SQLite, this section tries to answer them briefly.
SQLite is a database management system used to store and manage data in a structured format. It is often used in applications that need to save data locally on a device or computer, such as mobile apps, desktop software, and embedded systems. SQLite allows developers to create databases, organize data into tables, and perform operations like inserting, updating, and querying data.
You should use SQLite because it is easy to use and does not require a separate server to run. It is perfect for applications that need to store data locally on a device, like mobile apps or desktop software. SQLite is also fast and reliable, making it a good choice for projects where simplicity and efficiency are important. Plus, since it is self-contained, you can easily distribute SQLite databases with your application without worrying about additional setup for users.
SQLite requires minimal maintenance compared to other database management systems. Since it is self-contained and doesn't require a separate server, you don't need to worry about installing updates or managing server configurations. However, regular backups of your SQLite databases are recommended to prevent data loss in case of accidents or errors. Additionally, you may need to periodically optimize your databases to improve performance, especially if they become large or complex.
SQLite databases can become locked to prevent multiple processes from simultaneously making changes that could conflict with each other. When a process accesses an SQLite database, it acquires a lock to ensure exclusive access to the database while performing operations like writing data or executing transactions. This locking mechanism helps maintain data integrity and prevents data corruption by ensuring that only one process can modify the database at a time. Once the process completes its operations, it releases the lock, allowing other processes to access the database.
SQLite is a type of relational database management system (RDBMS). It allows users to store, manage, and retrieve data in a structured format organized into tables with rows and columns. Users can define relationships between different tables, perform queries to retrieve specific data, and execute transactions to ensure data integrity.
SQLite is written in the C programming language. This means that the core functionality of SQLite, including its engine for managing databases, is implemented using C code. However, SQLite provides interfaces for many programming languages, allowing developers to interact with SQLite databases using languages like Python, Java, C++, and more.
Yes, SQLite is open source, which means its source code is freely available for anyone to view, modify, and distribute. This openness allows developers to inspect SQLite's code, contribute improvements, and use it in their projects without restrictions.
SQLite is known for its speed and efficiency in handling database operations. It is designed to be lightweight and optimized for quick access to data, making it fast for reading and writing data. Because SQLite is self-contained and doesn't require a separate server, there is minimal overhead in communication, resulting in faster response times for database queries and transactions.
SQLite was invented by D. Richard Hipp. He created SQLite to provide a simple, lightweight, and efficient database solution that could be embedded into software applications without requiring a separate server. Hipp designed SQLite to be fast, reliable, and easy to use, making it suitable for a wide range of projects and environments.
The time it takes to learn SQLite can vary depending on your familiarity with databases and SQL (Structured Query Language). If you are completely new to databases, it might take a few days to understand the basics of SQLite and how to perform common operations like creating tables, inserting data, and querying information. With consistent practice and experimentation, you can become proficient in SQLite within a few weeks or months. However, mastering more advanced features and optimizing database performance could take longer and might require additional learning and experience.
The latest version of SQLite is 3.36.0. However, it is important to note that new versions may have been released. SQLite developers regularly release updates to improve performance, fix bugs, and add new features. To find the most current version of SQLite, you can visit the official SQLite website or check the release notes on their GitHub repository.
This enables you to create web applications that use SQLite databases without needing a server-side database management system. However, it is important to note that browser-based SQLite implementations may have limitations compared to using SQLite in a traditional server environment.
SQLite is popular for several reasons. They are as follows −
Simplicity − It is easy to set up and use, making it accessible to developers of all skill levels.
Portability − SQLite databases are self-contained files that can be easily shared and transferred between different systems, making it convenient for use in various environments.
No Server Required − Unlike traditional database management systems, SQLite does not require a separate server to run, reducing setup complexity and resource requirements.
Efficiency − SQLite is lightweight and optimized for performance, allowing for fast data access and manipulation, even in resource-constrained environments.
Flexibility − It supports a wide range of SQL features and data types, making it suitable for a variety of applications, from mobile apps to desktop software to embedded systems.
SQLite databases are stored as single files on your computer or device. When you create a SQLite database, it is saved as a single file with a .sqlite or .db extension. This file contains all the tables, rows, and other database objects you've defined, as well as the data you have inserted into the database. You can move, copy, or share SQLite database files just like any other file on your computer.
To connect to SQLite, you need to use a programming language that supports SQLite and provides libraries or modules for interacting with SQLite databases −
Install SQLite − First, you need to ensure SQLite is installed on your system. Most systems come with SQLite pre-installed, but if not, you can download and install it from the official SQLite website.
Choose a Programming Language − Decide which programming language you want to use to interact with SQLite. Popular choices include Python, Java, C/C++, and many others.
Install SQLite Library or Module − Install the SQLite library or module for your chosen programming language. These libraries/modules provide functions or classes to interact with SQLite databases.
Connect to the Database − Use the functions or methods provided by the SQLite library/module to connect to your SQLite database. Generally, you will need to specify the path to your SQLite database file when establishing the connection.
Perform Operations − Once connected, you can execute SQL queries, insert, update, delete data, and perform other database operations using the functions or methods provided by the SQLite library/module.
SQLite is like a small, lightweight tool for managing data in simple applications. It struggles with lots of users accessing data at once and isn't great for huge amounts of information. It is best for small projects where simplicity is more important than handling lots of data or users.