SQLite
SQLite
SQLite is a relational database management system (RDBMS) contained in a C library. Unlike most other database engines, SQLite is not a client–server system; it is embedded directly into the host program. It is the most widely deployed database engine in the world, used in countless applications, operating systems, and embedded devices.
SQLite implements most of the SQL standard, including transactions with atomic commit and rollback. It stores the entire database as a single cross‑platform file on the host computer. The library is designed to be lightweight, zero‑configuration, and self‑contained, making it ideal for local storage in mobile apps, desktop software, and web browsers.
Features
- Self‑contained: SQLite requires no external dependencies or separate server process.
- Zero‑configuration: No setup or administration is needed.
- Transactional: Supports ACID (Atomicity, Consistency, Isolation, Durability) guarantees via rollback journals or Write‑Ahead Logging (WAL).
- Portable: A database is a single ordinary file that can be copied between systems of different architectures.
- Extensible: Users can define custom SQL functions, collations, and virtual tables.
- Public domain: The source code is in the public domain, allowing unrestricted use.
History
SQLite was created by D. Richard Hipp in 2000. The first public release, version 1.0, appeared in August 2000. It was inspired by the need for a simple, serverless database for use aboard US Navy destroyers. Over time, SQLite gained support for triggers, views, and foreign keys. Version 3, released in 2004, introduced a more compact database format and improved concurrency. SQLite is now maintained by Hipp and a team of contributors, with official documentation and downloads available at sqlite.org.