SQLite Overview
- SQLite is an ideal data-management solution to use in small applications and mobile devices. It takes multiple components to make a SQLite database work. You need tables in which to store the data and the database engine itself. This engine consists of C code that resides in a Dynamic Link Library file with a ".dll" file extension. SQLite stores your data in a single file that can be smaller than 350KB depending on where you deploy it and your configuration settings. SQLite allows you to work with five data types: TEXT, BLOB, INTEGER, REAL and NULL.
Main Database File
- The main database file contains the heart of a SQLite database. The program stores data in structures called pages that can range in size from 512 to 65536 bytes. You are free to name this file anything because SQLite has no file name requirements. Even though SQLite databases can be small, the program has the ability to manage data main database files that contain up to 140TB of data. SQLite's creators note that a user's hard drive will usually reach its maximum limit before a mySQL main database file exceeds its allowable size. .
Other File Types
- When you are working with a SQLite database, a "rollback journal" file appears. SQLite uses this file to store additional information. The rollback journal helps protect your data should a problem occurs or your system crashes. Similar to a rollback function in SQL Server, the rollback journal file contains the data needed to restore the database. These files do not appear often and are only useful for data-recovery purposes. SQLite also has a feature called WAL mode; short for "write-ahead logging," this feature provides advanced commit and rollback functionally if needed. SQLite also creates a rollback journal file if you use this feature.
Obtaining SQLite
- To get SQLite, visit the SQLite download Web page and download the ZIP file containing the SQLite DLL file. Find this ZIP file in the Precompiled Binaries for Windows section. You also have the option to download the free SQLite Command Line Shell program located in the same section, which allows you to manage your database using a command-line interface. After opening the command-line window, for example, you can type commands to create new database files, add tables to them and retrieve data using commands similar to those found in regular SQL. Be careful when managing files on your hard drive; if you delete a SQLite file, you will lose your data or the SQLite DLL.
