Databases
SQLite for Embedded Data
SQLite is a database that lives inside your app. We use it for offline-first mobile, desktop and edge software where a server would be overkill.
Overview
SQLite
SQLite is an embedded relational database engine, not a client-server system. The whole database is a single file accessed through a library linked into your application, with no separate process to run or administer. It supports SQL, transactions, indexes and full-text search, and ships built into iOS, Android and many desktop environments.
Because it is embedded, SQLite has different strengths and limits from a server database. It excels at local storage, caching, configuration and offline data, and handles read-heavy workloads well. Concurrent writers are limited, since writes are serialized, so we use WAL mode and careful transaction design. We build migrations, encryption options, and sync layers that reconcile local data with a server, and we say when a server database is the better fit.
Context
Why teams choose it
- 01
Zero administration
No server to install or manage; the database is one file shipped with the app.
- 02
Works offline
Local storage lets apps remain fully functional without a network connection.
- 03
Small and reliable
A compact, well-tested engine with full ACID transactions and a stable file format.
- 04
Ubiquitous platform support
Available on mobile, desktop, browsers via WebAssembly, and edge or embedded devices.
Capabilities
What we build with it
- 01
Local data layers
Schemas and data access for iOS, Android and desktop apps using SQLite directly or via Room, GRDB and similar libraries.
- 02
Offline-first sync
Change tracking and conflict handling that reconciles local data with a backend.
- 03
Migrations
Versioned schema updates that run safely when users upgrade the app.
- 04
Performance tuning
Indexing, WAL mode, batching and PRAGMA settings for faster reads and writes.
- 05
Encryption
Encrypted database files using SQLCipher or platform security features.
- 06
Data import and export
Moving data between SQLite and server databases, CSV or reporting tools.
Typical projects
- Offline-first mobile apps
- Desktop application storage
- Local caches for API data
- Edge and embedded device data
- Test databases and prototypes
Ecosystem & tooling
- SQLite
- SQLCipher
- Room
- GRDB
- Drift
- better-sqlite3
- Litestream
- DB Browser for SQLite
Approach
How we work with it
- 1
Assess
We review your goals and any existing code to decide where this technology fits best.
- 2
Architect
We plan structure, integrations, data flow and hosting before writing production code.
- 3
Build
Features ship in small, reviewed increments with automated checks along the way.
- 4
Release & maintain
We deploy, monitor and keep dependencies and versions up to date.
FAQs
Common questions
Have a question that is not covered here? Get in touch.
Is SQLite a real database?
Yes, it is a full SQL engine with transactions, but it is embedded in your application rather than running as a server. That makes it excellent for local storage and less suited to many simultaneous writers over a network.
Can SQLite be used in production web apps?
It can for low-write, read-heavy or single-server workloads, especially with WAL mode. For many concurrent writers or multi-server deployments, PostgreSQL or MySQL is the safer choice.
How does SQLite sync with a server?
SQLite has no built-in sync, so we build it: tracking changes, uploading them and resolving conflicts, or using a sync tool. The right approach depends on how often users edit the same data.
Is SQLite data secure?
The file is unencrypted by default. For sensitive data we add encryption with SQLCipher or use platform-level protections, and avoid storing secrets in plain form.
Let's build what's next
Tell us about your idea, product or legacy system. Send us a message and we will help you scope the right next step.