SQLite [1] (pronounced sequel-lite or S-Q-L-lite) is a public domain, embedded, relational database engine that runs on everything from smartphones to mainframes. If you use Linux or any other modern operating system, chances are good that you are already using at least one SQLite database. That alone is reason enough to learn the basics of SQLite, and it is in your interest to know not just how to back up that data, but how to generate, process, and analyze it in ways that would not be possible with other applications.

Moreover, you can install SQLite with almost zero configuration or manual work and then run it without root privileges. Finally, despite its simplicity, SQLite can handle even huge quantities of data, which means it may even help you on the job someday.

What You Will Learn

In this tutorial, I explain what SQLite is, discuss how it works, and look at a few practical ways in which to use it. Although I show only a few quick examples of actual database queries, you can find plenty of those at the SQLite website or from online cheat sheets. Instead, I focus on basic SQLite management, concepts, components, where you can find SQLite data on your desktop or smartphone, and why you might want to process it. Basic knowledge of the command line and shell scripts is all you need to take advantage of this tutorial.

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