SQLite is a in-process library that implements a self-contained, serverless,zero-configuration,transactional SQL database engine. The code for SQLite is in the public domain and is thus free for use for any purpose, commercial or private. SQLite is currently found in more applications than we can count, including several high-profile projects.
SQLite is an embedded SQL database engine. Unlike most other SQL databases, SQLite does not have a separate server process. SQLite reads and writes directly to ordinary disk files. A complete SQL database with multiple tables, indices, triggers, and views, is contained in a single disk file. The database file format is cross-platform - you can freely copy a database between 32-bit and 64-bit systems or between big-endian and little-endianarchitectures. These features make SQLite a popular choice as an Application File Format.
The SQLite development team has announced the arrival of version 3.7.0 of its embedded relational SQL database management system. According to the developers, compared to the previous 3.6.23.1 update from March 2010, the major new release includes a number of bug fixes and features performance improvements.
SQLite 3.7.0 features several query planner enhancements and a new transaction control mechanism that uses a Write-Ahead Log, also known as a WAL, instead of a rollback journal. Advantages to WAL include significantly faster performance in most situations, more concurrency, and more sequential disk I/O operations. The developers note that the traditional rollback-journal is still used by default, "so there should be no visible change for legacy programs". All users are encouraged to upgrade to the latest release.
SQLite is developed and maintained by the SQLite Consortium, who's members include Mozilla, Adobe, Oracle and Adobe. The embedded SQL database is used in a number of well-known applications, such as Adobe's Lightroom, Apple's Mac OS X operating system and Mozilla's Firefox and Thunderbird.