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. This software is an almost ACID-compliant embedded relational database management system contained in a relatively small C programming library. ACID Consistency means that only valid data can be written to the database.
SQLite is an embedded SQL database engine. Unlike most other SQL databases, SQLite does not have a separate server process. SQLite reads and writes directly to ordinary disk files. A complete SQL database with multiple tables, indices, triggers, and views, is contained in a single disk file. The database file format is cross-platform – you can freely copy a database between 32-bit and 64-bit systems or between big-endian and little-endian architectures.
SQLite is a compact library. With all features enabled, the library size can be less than 300KiB, depending on compiler optimization settings.
SQLite uses dynamic typing. Content can be stored as INTEGER, REAL, TEXT, BLOB, or as NULL.
Key Features
- Transactions are atomic, consistent, isolated, and durable (ACID) even after system crashes and power failures.
- Zero-configuration – no setup or administration needed. SQLite uses no configuration files.
- Implements most of SQL92 including partial support for triggers and most complex queries.
- A complete database is stored in a single cross-platform disk file.
- Supports terabyte-sized databases and gigabyte-sized strings and blobs.
- Small code footprint: less than 300KiB fully configured or less than 180KiB with optional features omitted.
- Faster than popular client/server database engines for most common operations.
- Simple, easy to use API.
- Written in ANSI-C. TCL bindings included. Bindings for dozens of other languages available separately.
- Well-commented source code with 100% branch test coverage.
- Available as a single ANSI-C source-code file that you can easily drop into another project.
- Self-contained: no external dependencies.
- Comes with a standalone command-line interface (CLI) client that can be used to administer SQLite databases.
Website: www.sqlite.org
Support: Documentation
Developer: The hsql Development Group
License: BSD License
SQLite is written in C. Learn C with our recommended free books and free tutorials.
Related Software
| Relational Databases | |
|---|---|
| MariaDB | Seeks high compatibility with MySQL, ensuring drop-in replacement capability |
| PostgreSQL | Award winning Object-relational database management system |
| MySQL | Multithreaded, multi-user SQL database management system |
| SQLite | Embeddable SQL Database Engine |
| rqlite | Distributed database built on SQLite |
| MonetDB | High performance relational database system for analytics |
| Firebird | Relational database offering many ANSI SQL features |
| H2 | Relational database management system written in Java |
| HSQLDB | JDBC interface, client-server version, query tool, grid and more |
| CUBRID | Database engine with built-in enterprise grade features |
| Virtuoso | Data Management with Web Application Server and Web Services Platform |
| Apache Derby | Full-featured relational database implemented entirely in Java |
Read our verdict in the software roundup.
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