SQLite is a software library that provides a relational database management system. It is a C-language library that implements a small, fast, self-contained, high-reliability, full-featured, SQL database engine. SQLite is not a standalone app, but rather a library that software developers embed in their apps. It is an embedded, server-less relational database management system that is in-memory and open-source. SQLite is widely used in web browsers, operating systems, mobile phones, and other embedded systems. It is the most widely deployed database engine in the world, with over 1 trillion active SQLite databases.
SQLite is designed to allow programs to be operated without installing a database management system or requiring a database administrator. Unlike client-server database management systems, the SQLite engine has no standalone processes with which the application program communicates. Instead, a linker integrates the SQLite library into an application program which uses SQLites functionality through simple function calls, reducing latency in database operations.
SQLite implements most of the SQL-92 standard for SQL, but lacks some features. For example, it only partially provides triggers and cannot write to views (however, it provides INSTEAD OF triggers that provide this functionality). Its support of ALTER TABLE statements is limited.
SQLite is a popular choice as an embedded database for local/client storage in application software such as web browsers. It is also used in many other applications that need a lightweight, embedded database. SQLite is ACID-compliant and implements most of the SQL standards, using a dynamically and weakly typed SQL syntax that does not guarantee domain integrity. SQLite is available on many platforms, including Linux, macOS, and Windows, making it a good choice for cross-platform development.
In summary, SQLite is a lightweight, self-contained, server-less, and open-source relational database management system that is widely used in web browsers, operating systems, mobile phones, and other embedded systems. It is designed to be embedded in applications and is available on many platforms.
