SQLite Reviews

Name: SQLite
Brand: SQLite
Rating: 3.6 (8 reviews)

Vendor: SQLite

3.6 out of 5

8 reviews
88% willing to recommend

332 followers

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What is SQLite?

SQLite is an open-source, serverless, reliable, and flexible, SQL database engine. It is particularly favored in the realm of embedded database solutions and small to medium-sized projects. Unlike traditional database systems that operate on a client-server model, SQLite is a serverless database engine, meaning it runs directly within the application it powers. This unique architecture makes SQLite an ideal choice for applications where simplicity, efficiency, and minimal configuration are paramount.

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SQLite is the #2 ranked solution in Top Embedded Database Systems and #9 ranked solution in top Open Source Databases. PeerSpot users give SQLite an average rating of 7.2 out of 10. SQLite is most commonly compared to SAP HANA: SQLite vs SAP HANA. SQLite is popular among the large enterprise segment, accounting for 54% of users researching this solution on PeerSpot. The top industry researching this solution are professionals from a computer software company, accounting for 16% of all views.

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Featured reviews

Neeraj Tiwari

Student at Queens University Belfast

It was a bit easy to use compared to other tools. It's simple. I found it pretty easy to execute my SQL queries. Since I was a beginner, it was comfortable for me to learn SQL using SQLite. However, when I used it for my professional work and for my assignments, I found some complications. Maybe I'm not proficient with it, that's why. The main benefit for me was learning. Since I was new to SQL, SQLite helped me understand how to work with structured data.

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Prince Tiwari

Senior Software Engineer at AAPC

I'd recommend using SQLite, especially since I already know this particular plugin. If you're familiar with SQL Server concepts – tables, queries, and so on – then I definitely recommend SQLite. It is easy for a beginner to learn to use SQLite. If you have knowledge of SQL Server, understand how to write queries, and have a basic grasp of database structures, then it's very easy to pick up and use in your project. It's straightforward. Overall, I would rate the solution a six out of ten. I've not encountered major limitations. While we've had some questions, we've always found solutions.

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Irshad Mansur

NET MAUI Developer at Humani Media

A potential drawback is that the database file stored within the application's local storage could be accessible to users. When you build a mobile application with SQLite, the database file is often included in the assets folder. When the app is installed, a folder is created in the device's local storage. In older Android versions, it was possible to access that database file directly from the local storage. I'm not sure if this is still a concern with the latest Android versions like 10, 11, or 12.

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PeerAnalyst reports

Type	Title	Date
Category	Embedded Database	Jan 29, 2025	Download
Product	Reviews, tips, and advice from real users	Jan 29, 2025	Download
Comparison	SQLite vs Firebird SQL	Jan 29, 2025	Download
Comparison	SQLite vs Oracle Database In-Memory	Jan 29, 2025	Download
Comparison	SQLite vs SAP HANA	Jan 29, 2025	Download

Title	Rating	Mindshare	Recommending
SAP HANA	4.1	22.8%	92%	84 interviews Add to research
Firebird SQL	3.9	N/A	86%	15 interviews Add to research

Valuable Features

SQLite's key features include fast setup, embedded nature requiring no connection management, and ease of database movement. It is favored for testing in frameworks like Rails and offers server-less operation with no external dependencies. Users value its triggers for data integrity, lightweight design, scalability, open-source availability, and the support for offline mobile app data storage. It is particularly beneficial for learning SQL due to its simplicity and extensive online documentation.

"It was a bit easy to use compared to other tools.It's simple. I found it pretty easy to execute my SQL queries."
"I haven't encountered any problems in my use cases. So, it has been a stable product for me."
"Sometimes, you want data to persist within the app even when there's no internet connectivity. To avoid showing blank screens, we can use SQLite to store data locally and then sync it with the cloud database when connectivity is restored."

Room for Improvement

SQLite is less capable than MySQL, lacking users and permissions, caching, and query optimization. The absence of user-defined functions requires C coding. It's slower and handles large data poorly. Limited PHP resources and GUI hinder usability. Data syncing with databases like SQL Server is complex, lacking automatic methods. The database file can be vulnerable in mobile apps. Large dataset handling poses challenges, and pricing and intelligence features require refinement.

"Compared to other tools, the performance was less effective than that of Microsoft Access."
"A potential drawback is that the database file stored within the application's local storage could be accessible to users."
"There are some difficulties on the server side. When syncing data with databases like SQL Server or Oracle, SQLite requires a kind of double effort."

Pricing

SQLite is open-source, eliminating licensing costs, making it an affordable solution for enterprises. Companies appreciate its cost-effectiveness, often rating its pricing positively, such as six out of ten. Many emphasize SQLite's value, highlighting that users do not incur initial costs for use and setup. Its accessibility due to being open-source frequently makes it an attractive choice for organizations seeking a budget-friendly database solution without compromising on features.

"It's not expensive."
"It's a good value."
"The tool is open-source."

Popular Use Cases

Primarily, organizations utilize SQLite for local database storage within mobile applications, ensuring accessibility without internet connectivity. It serves backend deployment purposes and supports database backup tasks. Entities can extract data from local storage or online sources, facilitating direct data access. SQLite is also employed in educational contexts for assignments and code integration, though some switch to Microsoft technologies. For advanced visualization, third-party apps supplement SQLite's capabilities, offering diverse options for data management needs.

Service and Support

SQLite customer service and support focus on self-help resources such as technical documents and tutorials on platforms like YouTube. Several users find troubleshooting independently beneficial, though some express dissatisfaction with the available technical support services. Initially, data synchronization, particularly transitioning from offline to online, posed challenges for new users, but they were able to resolve these issues eventually without direct customer service interactions. Many users have not contacted technical support at all.

Deployment

Setup for SQLite is described as simple and straightforward across multiple users. It works on various devices, including Android, and integrates easily into development environments. Although one group rates the process seven out of ten, others mention it's not complex once familiar. Setup involves downloading files, installing on Windows, and creating databases for mobile applications. JSON data retrieval and conversion is part of the implementation process, which users find manageable.

Stability

SQLite is considered stable by many, with no major bugs or crashes reported. Users have utilized it across multiple applications without significant problems. Some note it performs less effectively compared to other tools like Microsoft Access, especially when importing datasets. While one rated its stability an eight, another found it less reliable, citing importing issues. Despite this, many find it a useful and lightweight option for local storage needs.

These insights are based on the in-depth reviews provided by peers to help you make a better buying decision.

Download our SQLite Buyer's Guide for additional reliable information.

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Top industries

By visitors reading reviews

Computer Software Company

16%

Comms Service Provider

13%

Manufacturing Company

11%

Financial Services Firm

University

Wholesaler/Distributor

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Government

Construction Company

Media Company

Non Profit

Insurance Company

Healthcare Company

Retailer

Hospitality Company

Pharma/Biotech Company

Legal Firm

Real Estate/Law Firm

Logistics Company

Outsourcing Company

Engineering Company

Consumer Goods Company

Aerospace/Defense Firm

Recreational Facilities/Services Company

Recruiting/Hr Firm

Transportation Company

Leisure / Travel Company

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Learn more about SQLite

SQLite is an embedded database engine, which means it operates directly within the application that uses it, without requiring a separate server process. It is designed to be cross-platform, supporting multiple operating systems, and is is compatible with a wide range of programming languages, such as C, C++, Python, Java, and more. This makes it highly portable and suitable for a wide range of applications, from mobile devices to desktop software and web applications.

The key advantages of SQLite is its reliability, the lightweight nature and efficient performance. It has a small footprint, typically requiring only a few megabytes of disk space, and can operate entirely in memory if needed. It is designed to be reliable and robust, with built-in features such as atomic commit and rollback, which ensure data integrity even in the event of system crashes or power failures. Finally, the SQLite solution requires no configuration or setup, making it easy to use and deploy. It can be embedded directly into applications without the need for complex installation or configuration procedures.

SQLite Functionality

SQL Compliance: SQLite supports a substantial portion of the SQL standard, including features like transactions, triggers, views, and indexes.
File-based Storage: SQLite stores its entire database as a single cross-platform file on the host machine's file system.
ACID Compliance: SQLite fully supports ACID (Atomicity, Consistency, Isolation, Durability) transactions, ensuring data consistency and integrity in concurrent access scenarios.

SQLite is an open-source project distributed under a public domain license, which means it can be used, modified, and distributed freely, without any licensing costs or restrictions.

To summarize, SQLite is widely used in various applications, including web browsers (e.g., Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome), mobile applications (e.g., Android, iOS), embedded systems, and desktop software. Its simplicity, portability, and efficiency make it a popular choice for developers who require a lightweight and reliable database solution, especially in resource-constrained environments or applications with modest data storage needs.