SQLite vs. MySQL: Key Differences

Both SQLite and MySQL are popular relational database management systems (RDBMS), but they differ in architecture, use cases, performance, and security. Here’s a concise breakdown of their differences:

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TL;DR

• SQLite: Lightweight, serverless, single-file database, ideal for mobile apps, small websites, and prototyping.
• MySQL: Client-server model, highly scalable and secure, suited for enterprise apps, high-traffic websites, and e-commerce.

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Comparison Overview

Feature	SQLite	MySQL
Architecture	Serverless; database stored in a single file.	Client-server; requires a running server for handling queries.
Data Types	Flexible, dynamic types with minimal constraints.	Strict data types ensuring better data integrity.
Concurrency	Single-writer, file-level locking.	High concurrency with row-level locking.
Performance	Best for read-heavy, small to medium applications.	Scales for large, high-traffic, and write-intensive systems.
Security	Relies on filesystem permissions for access.	User authentication, encryption, and access control.
Use Cases	Mobile apps, embedded systems, testing, and prototypes.	Enterprise apps, e-commerce, data warehousing, analytics.
Licensing	Public domain (completely free).	Free (GPL) with commercial licensing options via Oracle.

Detailed Comparison

Architecture

• SQLite:
  • Serverless; embedded into the application.
  • Entire database stored in a single, portable file.
  • Ideal for simplicity and easy setup.
• MySQL:
  • Client-server model with server handling database operations.
  • Requires server setup, suitable for remote and distributed systems.

Data Types

• SQLite:
  • Limited types (integer, real, text, blob) with flexible storage.
  • Type affinities allow storing any data type in any column.
  • May lead to data integrity issues if unchecked.
• MySQL:
  • Rich, strict data types (integer, varchar, datetime, etc.).
  • Ensures strict enforcement of column data integrity.

Concurrency

• SQLite:
  • Single writer allowed; file-level locking during write operations.
  • Supports multiple simultaneous reads.
• MySQL:
  • Multi-threaded with high concurrency.
  • Uses row-level locking for better performance in concurrent environments.

Performance and Scalability

• SQLite:
  • Optimized for small, read-intensive workloads.
  • Can handle databases up to ~281 TB but slows significantly with heavy writes.
• MySQL:
  • Designed for large-scale applications with high traffic.
  • Features like clustering, sharding, and partitioning support scalability.

Security

• SQLite:
  • Relies on file access permissions for security.
  • Suitable for single-user or embedded environments.
• MySQL:
  • Advanced security features like user authentication, role-based access, and SSL/TLS.
  • Allows fine-grained control over database access and encryption.

Use Cases

• SQLite:
  • Prototyping, mobile apps, small websites, desktop apps.
  • Embedded systems with lightweight storage needs.
• MySQL:
  • Large-scale enterprise applications, e-commerce platforms, and analytics.
  • High-traffic websites with complex queries and heavy write operations.

When to Choose

• SQLite:

  • For lightweight, embedded applications.
  • When simplicity and portability are key.
  • If setup time and maintenance need to be minimal.

• MySQL:

  • For enterprise-grade, scalable systems.
  • When security and concurrency are priorities.
  • For handling complex, high-volume workloads.

Both databases excel in their respective domains; understanding project requirements will help you make the right choice.

Ref: highperformanssqlite.com