SQLite Manager

Introduction:

SQLite is a self-contained, serverless relational database that stores data in a single binary file. Unlike client-server engines, the entire engine is embedded, so queries, schema, and indexes live alongside the records. This architecture makes SQLite ideal for mobile apps, local prototypes, and data packs that need zero configuration or external services.

After you load a .db or .sqlite file, the manager opens it entirely in your browser using a reactive engine compiled from the original C code. It inspects the catalog, lists tables and views, and lets you run standard SQL commands against the in-memory copy. Results appear instantly, and edits queue safe UPDATE statements.

Suppose you receive a compressed project database and need a quick look at recent transactions. Drag the file onto the page, browse the sales table, tweak a figure, and export a cleaned CSV for the finance team—all without installing desktop software. Always keep a backup; changes are permanent once you commit edits.

Technical Details:

Concept Overview

SQLite implements the relational model in a single cross-platform file using B-tree pages plus a small rollback journal or WAL for atomic commits. Each table occupies one or more root pages, index pages, and overflow chains; a catalog table tracks names, types, and creation SQL. Standard SQL 92 syntax applies, with pragmatic extensions such as WITHOUT ROWID and JSON helpers. Transactions obey ACID semantics provided writes fit available memory and disk space.

Core Process

1. Load the file into memory through an embedded engine.
2. Read the catalog to classify tables, views, indexes, and triggers.
3. Parse and execute SQL against the in-memory dataset.
4. Return tabular results or perform row-level mutations inside a transaction.
5. Commit changes and optionally write an updated binary back to disk.

Interpretation & Output Semantics

Variables & Parameters

• SQLite file – the binary database you wish to inspect.
• SQL query – ad-hoc statement executed against the open file.
• Edit mode – toggles cell editing and queues UPDATEs.
• Export format – choose CSV, JSON, or full SQL dump.

Worked Example

SELECT COUNT(*) FROM products;

Assumptions & Limitations

• Designed for SQLite 3 files smaller than available browser memory.
• No support for databases encrypted with SQLCipher. Encrypted files fail silently.
• Triggers execute only when you commit edits; deferred constraints may differ from server behaviour.
• File locking semantics differ from desktop clients because the database lives in memory.

Edge Cases & Error Sources

• Corrupted header pages render the file unreadable.
• Queries that return millions of rows may freeze the tab.
• Recursive triggers or malformed views can cause runaway execution.
• NULL handling differs between string and numeric contexts during comparisons.

Scientific Validity & References

Codd’s relational principles (1970) ground the tabular model; Hipp’s SQLite architecture notes (2000-2025) document B-tree storage and WAL journaling; ISO/IEC 9075-2 defines core SQL semantics.

Privacy & Compliance

The concept processes only user-supplied files entirely on the client, aligning with GDPR requirements for local, transient data handling.

Step-by-Step Guide:

Follow this sequence to inspect and modify your database safely.

1. Select a .db or .sqlite file.
2. Choose a table or view from the catalog list.
3. Browse rows or open the Query tab for ad-hoc SQL.
4. Toggle Edit, change cell values, and press Save.
5. Export the result set as CSV or JSON.
6. Download a full SQL dump for archival or migration.

FAQ:

Glossary:

Table

Named set of rows with fixed columns.

View

Stored query acting as a virtual table.

Index

Auxiliary structure that accelerates look-ups.

Trigger

Automatic statement fired on data events.

RowID

Implicit unique integer key for each row.