What is SQLite?
SQLite is a self-contained, serverless, zero-configuration, transactional SQL database engine. Unlike most other SQL databases, SQLite does not have a separate server process. It 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.
SQLite is the most widely deployed database engine in the world, found in every Android device, iPhone, Mac, Windows 10 machine, and most web browsers. It's particularly popular for mobile applications, embedded systems, and small to medium-sized websites due to its simplicity, reliability, and zero administration requirements.
SQLite Performance Calculator
Pages: 25,600
Concurrency: Multiple readers
Suitability: Good
SQLite Key Features
Zero Configuration
No installation, configuration, or administration required.
• Single file database
• Cross-platform compatibility
• Embedded in application
ACID Compliant
Full transaction support with ACID properties.
• Consistent state guarantees
• Isolation between transactions
• Durable commits
Small Footprint
Compact library size ideal for embedded systems.
• Minimal memory usage
• Perfect for mobile/IoT
• No external dependencies
SQL Standard
Implements most of SQL-92 standard with extensions.
• Views, triggers, indexes
• Foreign key constraints
• Common table expressions
SQLite Use Cases
Mobile Applications
Local data storage for iOS and Android applications without network dependencies.
// Android Room persistence library
// React Native + SQLite for offline-first apps
Embedded Systems
IoT devices, automotive systems, and appliances with limited resources.
// Automotive infotainment systems
// Industrial control systems
Desktop Applications
Local application data, configuration, and cache storage.
// iTunes library database
// Adobe Lightroom catalogs
Web Applications (Small-Medium)
Prototype development, testing, and low-traffic production sites.
// Rails prototyping
// Small business websites
Real-World SQLite Implementations
Apple iOS
Core Data framework uses SQLite as the default persistent store.
- • Contacts and calendar data
- • Application preference storage
- • Message history and media metadata
- • Health and fitness data
Android
Built-in SQLite support for all Android applications.
- • App data and preferences
- • Contact and media databases
- • Google Play Store cache
- • System configuration storage
Mozilla Firefox
Uses SQLite for bookmarks, history, and browser data storage.
- • Bookmark and history storage
- • Download history and metadata
- • Form data and password hints
- • Extension and plugin data
Stores message history and media metadata locally on devices.
- • Chat message history
- • Contact information
- • Media file metadata
- • User preferences and settings
When to Use SQLite vs Alternatives
Use SQLite When
- • Building mobile or desktop applications
- • Need local data storage without network
- • Prototyping or small-scale web applications
- • Embedding in IoT or resource-constrained devices
- • Caching or temporary data storage
- • Single-user applications
Consider Alternatives When
- • Need high write concurrency (>100 concurrent writers)
- • Building multi-user client-server applications
- • Require advanced database features (stored procedures)
- • Need horizontal scaling across multiple machines
- • Handling very large datasets (>1TB)
- • Require real-time replication
SQLite Best Practices
✅ Do
- • Use transactions for multiple related operations
- • Create indexes for frequently queried columns
- • Use prepared statements for repeated queries
- • Enable WAL mode for better concurrency
- • Regular VACUUM operations for maintenance
- • Implement proper error handling
❌ Don't
- • Use for high-concurrency write scenarios
- • Store very large BLOBs (use file system instead)
- • Ignore database locking and busy timeouts
- • Use for client-server architectures
- • Forget to close database connections
- • Skip backup strategies for important data