Programmers use databases to store the information they want. One of the most widely used SQLite Databases. In this article, we will examine this technology and the reason for its high popularity.
What is SQLite?
SQLite is a relational database that is SQL compliant. Unlike other SQL-based systems, including MySQL and PostgreSQL, this database does not use client-server architecture. The entire SQLite application is housed in a C library that can be used in various applications. By importing the SQLite library file into projects, the database becomes an integral part of the program and eliminates compact, resource-independent processes.
SQLite stores its data on a cross-platform file. Since this database has no dedicated server or specialized filesystem, it can be easily added to the program by linking to the main library. Creating an SQLite database is as simple as creating a simple new file.
The simplicity of implementation has led to the use of SQLite as the database system of choice for many applications and devices. The total number of uses of SQLite is said to be higher than other database engines because it is compatible with all major operating systems and most programming languages and, in addition, supports a wide range of embedded hardware and software products.
Benefits of SQLite
SQLite’s main focus is on providing a powerful SQL-compliant database without the need for extras. As the name implies, this database can be considered a lightweight solution that runs on almost any platform that supports C and file storage. The ability to connect SQLite databases with high-level programming languages is available to developers.
Because the SQLite database is actually a simple file, it has very high portability and can be easily backed up. No need for a server section makes it easy to set up and use SQLite. Even without launching a full development environment, you can take advantage of SQLite in your projects. In addition, using the database does not require lengthy processes, reboots, or security issues.
Using SQLite in applications will increase flexibility and reduce development time. Using plain text files as SQLite databases is the same for configuring, storing, and accessing data across different devices, which helps maintain the technology’s consistent performance.
Databases typically use systems to protect against potential damage, a feature not found in regular files. SQLite is a transactional database so that you can avoid minor successful events. If an operation fails in a transaction, the successful operation is restored, and the database is restored to its original state.
SQLite is not vulnerable to storage errors and scenarios due to a lack of RAM resources. It is possible to recover databases in a system problem or power outage, which contributes to data security. The code database manages the data through a comprehensive test suite with 100% coverage.
SQLite Limitations
SQLite supports most of the features of the SQL92 standard language; Of course, in this database engine, there are several incompatibilities and strange features; The same is true of other leading SQL database engines. However, there are some SQLite restrictions only in this database that you should know before attempting to use them.
Unlike other advanced databases, SQLite has a weak approach to data type management. This database does not oppose entering invalid values so that you can enter the phrase “SQLite” in an integer column, for example. Data types are very flexible and sometimes unpredictable, a feature that will be especially noticeable when you switch to SQLite from another database system.
SQLite does not generally support some data types; For example, Boolean or DateTime values do not exist in this database, so you must use the correct text or value instead. If you plan to migrate from SQLite to another platform, such barriers can be troublesome. Your database may contain invalid SQL values that are not accepted by other databases.
Flat file design restricts the applications for which SQLite is applicable. You can not realistically scalable or distribute a database; Because all communications are in one main file.
It is impossible to write multiple data in this database at the same time; Because the database is locked separately for each operation; This will reduce the performance of the database system in severe scenarios; Because to execute operations related to the database, a queue will be created to execute the commands.
SQLite does not support multiple users. In other database engines such as MySQL and PostgreSQL, you can create multiple accounts within your database so that people can connect to it individually. This feature helps you restrict access to specific designs and operations for each user.
SQLite offers fewer user management features at the database level; Because each design will be saved as a regular file on disk. Native access to SQLite databases over the network is not possible, so distinct user accounts will have less communication with each other. In these cases, using operating system permissions to restrict read and write permissions is a more logical approach. However, multi-user support is still felt for applications that store sensitive data.
When to use SQLite?
SQLite will work best when you combine the ability to query and store strong SQL easily and simply, using regular files. The database offers more performance and flexibility than regular reading and writing in such a scenario.
SQLite will work well in environments where end-users should not know the database. This database does not require maintenance or management, making it an ideal option for mobile phones and IoT devices. A client-server-based database engine can cause problems if the server shuts down or a network problem.
SQLite works well as a backup for server-side applications and websites; Provided that the system only needs to read the information and not write the data. SQLite performance can be on par with other database engines or even better in some cases. This database performs processes without the need to exchange information with the network, thus eliminating the overhead costs of traditional databases.
SQLite is not a good choice if you manage a large amount of data. Although the limit of the card database is 281 terabytes, in practice, a data set of more than one gigabyte seems more appropriate for a server-based technology. The lack of support for the ability to write information simultaneously has made SQLite unsuitable for rapidly changing datasets that multiple users manipulate.
Conclusion
SQLite is a SQL-compliant database engine that stores all data in a simple physical file. You do not need a server to use this database to compile SQLite directly into applications. This database is free and open-source, so you do not need to issue a license to use it, and you will not pay any additional fees.
Simplicity, high portability, and reliability make SQLite one of the most popular data storage systems in modern operating systems. This database uses very few hardware resources and can be used anywhere. Developers can easily use SQLite in their projects without users noticing the presence of the database.
SQLite has grown significantly as smartphones and IoT-related products have increased. Awareness and awareness of this data storage system should be expanded; Because these conditions will increase its use. The key to SQLite’s success is its global compatibility, and to use it, import the database library into your application. This way, you can take advantage of SQL power in your applications without spending a lot of time and speed.