How to connect to SQLite from the command line

This article explains how to use the sqlite3 tool to connect to SQLite from the command line. An efficient and straightforward method of directly accessing SQLite databases is to use the sqlite3 application.

Connecting to SQLite from the command line

To connect to SQLite from the command line, follow these steps:

1. Log in to your Hostvento Hosting account using SSH.
2. At the command line, type the following command, replacing example.db with the name of the database file that you want to use:Copysqlite3 example.dbThe database filename can be anything you want. If the database file does not exist, SQLite creates it. If the database file already exists, SQLite opens the database contained in the file.
3. After you access a database, you can use regular SQL statements to run queries, create tables, insert data, and more. Additionally:
   • For SQLite show tables, type the following command at the sqlite> prompt:Copy.tables
   • To view the structure of a table, type the following command at the sqlite> prompt. Replace table with the name of the table that you want to view:
     Copy.schema table
   • To view a complete list of sqlite3 commands, type .help at the sqlite> prompt.
   • To exit the sqlite3 program, type .quit at the sqlite> prompt.

More Information

What is SQLite?

SQLite is a lightweight database management solution. It offers its users a high-performance, very dependable SQL database engine. SQLite’s code is available within public domain making it free for use for every private or commercial purpose. SQLite has been built into every mobile device and almost every computer. In fact, SQLite is the world’s most widely used database engine.

Because it eliminates the need for a separate server process, SQLite is a special kind of SQL solution. Rather, it directly reads and writes to disk files. A sophisticated SQL database with numerous tables, views, and triggers is included in a disk file. You are able to copy files between 32-bit and 64-bit storage systems because this file format is cross-platform.

SQLite is:

• Serverless
• Self-contained
• Zero-configuration
• Transactional

SQLite history

Software developer Dwayne Richard Hipp, while working for General Dynamics, wrote SQLite in early 2000 while on contract with the US Navy. SQLite was originally a Tcl extension. The goal of SQLite was to create a solution that didn’t require a database management solution or have the need for a database administrator. Hipp wrote the SQLite syntax close to that of PostgreSQL.

Learn more about SQLite

• To view information about the sqlite3 program from the command line, type the following command:Copyman sqlite3
• To view the SQLite online documentation for the sqlite3 program, please visit https://www.sqlite.org/cli.html.