SQLite vs SQL – What’s the Difference ? (Pros and Cons)

SQLite vs SQL – What’s the Difference ? (Pros and Cons). The software library is a system called SQLite, which allows the system to manage relational databases. The lightweight shortcut works great on SQLite and it is light on configuration, database management, and required resources.

Well the SQL stands for Structured Query Language. This program is used to communicate with the database. The standard language for relational database management systems is ANSI. The statements that we use in SQL are to perform tasks such as updating data or retrieving data from a database.

In this blog, we will compare the two popular SQLite and SQL software’s. You will also see their features and pros and cons.

Let’s start with SQLite vs SQL – What’s the Difference ?

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What is a SQLite?

Firstly SQLite is a free and open source software library that provides a relational database management system. Lightweight in terms of configuration, database management and resource requirements. However, there is a paid version with professional technical support and some product extensions such as encryption.

Secondly SQLite is the most widely used database engine in the world. Moreover SQLite includes various programming languages ​​such as Python, Java and many other. In addition SQLite integrates with all mobile phones and most computers, is cross platform and backwards compatible.

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SQlite use cases

Microsoft – Use as a core component of Windows 10 and other products.

Facebook – It uses SQLite as the SQL database engine in its query product.

Apple – Used in many native applications running on desktop and server computers. Running Mac OS-X, as well as on iOS devices such as the iPhone and iPod. Additionally SQLite is also used in iTunes, even on non Apple devices.

Airbus – Flight program for the A350 XWB series aircraft has been confirmed.

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Features and benefits of using SQlite

• Totally free – Open source therefore, no license is required to use it.
• Configuration Not Required – SQLite requires no configuration. No configuration or administration required.
• Storing data is easy –  Provides an efficient way to store data.
• Flexible – Helps you work on multiple databases at the same time in the same session.
• Serverless – No server or other system processes are required to run.
• It is a cross platform DBMS – You don’t have to choose between many different platforms, such as Windows, Mac OS, Linux, and Unix. It can also be used with many embedded operating systems such as Symbian and Windows CE.

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Benefits of using SQlite

Performance

• Small modifications will only replace the modified parts of the file. In return it reduces write time and wear on the SSD.
• Application will load only the data it needs. Rather than reading the entire file and keeping a full scan in memory.

Accessibility

• Content stored in a SQLite database is likely to be recovered decades later. Even if all traces of the original application are lost. Data outlasts code.
• Database content can be viewed using various third party tools.

Portability

• Multiple processes can be attached to the same application file and can read and write without interfering with each other.
• Possible for a group of programs written in different programming languages ​​to be able to access the same application file without compatibility issues.
• The application file is portable across all operating systems 32 bit and 64 bit and across large and small architectures.
• Other content that can be stored as “filegroups” is encapsulated into a single disk file for transfer to SCP/FTP, flash drives and/or email attachments.

Reduced application cost and complexity

• File format can be extended in future versions simply by adding new tables and/or columns, while maintaining backward compatibility.
• No need to write I/O code for the application file and debug it.
• Moreover content can be viewed and updated using summary SQL queries instead of long and error prone program procedures.

Reliability

• Errors are less likely to occur in SQLite based on the input/output code assigned to the file being written.
• Can be continuously updated automatically, so there will be almost no loss of work in the event of a power failure or failure.
• Queries are many times smaller than the corresponding procedural code. And since the number of errors per line of code is fairly constant, this means fewer errors overall.

Pros of SQlite

• Self contained performance.
• No installation needed.
• Portable and reliable.
• Reduces cost and complexity.
• Lightweight.

Cons of SQlite

• It has a limited database size.
• You do not have access to the network.
• It’s not suitable for large scale apps.

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Follow this post SQLite vs SQL – What’s the Difference ?to learn about SQL next.

What is a SQL?

Indeed SQL is the main language for database management. A database is a table of rows and columns. Can also be used for searching, updating and inserting. Moreover SQL performs many other operations such as database optimization and maintenance.

Actually SQL statements are used to perform tasks such as updating data or retrieving data from a database. Some of the popular relational database management systems that use SQL are: Oracle, Microsoft SQL Server, Microsoft Access etc.

With SQL, you can store data about every customer your company has worked with. From key contacts to sales details.

What is SQL Used for?

• Update records in the database.
• Execute queries against a database.
• Create a new database or a new table in the database.
• Set permissions on tables, actions, and views.
• Create stored procedures and database views.
• Delete records from a database.

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Features and benefits of using SQL

• Data Manipulation Language (DML) – Language used for managing or manipulating data in a table.
• High performance – Recover large amounts of data quickly and efficiently. Likewise, simple operations such as insertion, deletion and data processing can be performed in a short time.
• Scalability – Database is vertically scalable, meaning you can increase the load on a single server by adding more RAM, SSD or CPU.
• Relational Foundation – Generally SQL is primarily used for relational databases. The relational database table structure provides a user friendly interface to learn and use the SQL language easily.
• Dynamic – One of the main advantages of SQL over other static databases is that the database structure can be dynamically modified and extended even though the user has access to the database contents. Therefore, SQL offers maximum flexibility so that online applications can continue to operate without interruption, while databases can adapt to changing needs.
• Integration of SQL with Java – Important is SQL integration with Java has been an important area of ​​SQL development in recent years. Sun Microsystems (JAVA developers) introduced Java Database Connectivity (JDBC), a standard API that allows Java programs to access databases using SQL, to link the Java language with existing relational databases.

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Benefits of using SQL

• Multiple data views.
• Interactive language.
• Open Source.
• Portable.
• Easy to learn and understand.
• Used by major DBMS system vendors.
• Highly desirable skill.
• Requires little coding knowledge.
• Rapid query processing.

Pros of using SQL

• Simple and easy.
• Faster query processing.
• No coding needed.
• Highly interactive.
• Standard language.

Cons of using SQL

• Partial Control.
• Cost Inefficient.
• Poor Interface.
• Security.
• Pricing of premium packages.
• Issues with the initial learning curve.

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SQLite vs SQL (Comparison)

The main difference between them is that SQL stands for Structured Query Language, which is the query language used with databases. But SQLite is a portable database. Extensions can be added to the computer language used to access the database.

Name and Language SQLite

• Is a relational database management system written in ANSI C.

Name and Language SQL

• Stands for a structured query language for querying relational database systems. It is written language C.

Main components SQLite

• Supports many functions and offers high performance, but does not support stored procedures.

Main components SQL

• The components of SQL are Data Definition Language (DDL), Data Manipulation Language (DML), Data Control Language (DCL).

Architecture SQLite

• Depends on files. It differs from other SQL databases because, unlike most SQL databases, SQLite does not have a separate server process.

Architecture SQL

• Standards that define how to create a relational schema, how to insert or update data in a relation, start and stop transactions, and more.

Functionalities SQLite

• With SQLite it has many built in functions in order to process on string or numeric data. You can use these functions either in lower case form or in upper case or in mixed form.

Functionalities SQL

• To connect and provide many features, a traditional database such as Oracle DB must be started as a service.

Use cases SQLite

• Embedded devices and the internet of things.
• Websites- best suited for low to medium traffic websites.
• Data analysis- with sqlite3 command-line shell you can analyse large dataset.
• Data container

Use cases SQL

•  The SQL uses explicit schema that shows the relationship between different tables so ideal for are user oriented.
• Also ensures compatibility and establishes ACID properties.

User Access control in SQLite

• Doesn’t have the user access control concept.

User Access control in SQL

• Has fine grained access rights according to standard.

Embedded SQLite

• Basically embedded in the client.

Embedded SQL

• Additionally embedded in server.

Well that’s a wrap. Thank you for reading SQLite vs SQL – What’s the Difference ? (Pros and Cons)

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SQLite vs SQL – What’s the Difference ? Conclusion

Summarizing both SQLite and SQL are well known and proven systems whose task is to manage databases. As the name suggests, SQLite is a lightweight option for apps that don’t require the full set of features and user permissions. In contrast, SQL is designed for enterprise level data management and has many advanced features.

So, if you need something fast for mobile devices embedded or serverless environments, then SQLite is a good option. Otherwise, the second server is the best solution. The SQLite library has direct access to its memory files.

If you want to know more, check here.

Thanks! I hope I have helped.