How to Install SQLite3 on Ubuntu : Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

SQLite3 is a powerful, embedded, relational database management system used extensively in applications, ranging from web browsers to mobile apps. Its simplicity, efficiency, and zero-configuration requirements make it an excellent choice for developers. This guide will walk you through the process of installing SQLite3 on an Ubuntu system.

Prerequisites

Before we start, ensure you have the following:

A system running Ubuntu
Access to a terminal with sudo privileges

Step-by-Step Guide to Install SQLite3 on Ubuntu

Step 1: Update Your System

First, update your package list to ensure you have the latest information about available packages:

sudo apt update

Step 2: Install SQLite3

Use the following command to install SQLite3:

sudo apt install sqlite3

Step 3: Verify the Installation

After the installation completes, verify the installed version of SQLite3:

sqlite3 --version

You should see the version number of SQLite3 installed on your system, confirming a successful installation.

Step 4: Install SQLite3 Development Tools (Optional)

If you plan to develop applications using SQLite3, you might also want to install the SQLite3 development tools:

sudo apt install libsqlite3-dev

Using SQLite3

Creating a Database

To create a new SQLite3 database, open your terminal and type:

sqlite3 mydatabase.db

This command creates a new database file named mydatabase.db and opens the SQLite3 shell.

Basic SQLite3 Commands

Inside the SQLite3 shell, you can execute various SQL commands. Here are some basic examples:

Create a Table:

CREATE TABLE users (id INTEGER PRIMARY KEY, name TEXT, email TEXT);

Insert Data:

INSERT INTO users (name, email) VALUES ('Alice', 'alice@example.com');
INSERT INTO users (name, email) VALUES ('Bob', 'bob@example.com');

Query Data:

SELECT * FROM users;

Exit the SQLite3 Shell:

.quit

Uninstalling SQLite3

If you ever need to uninstall SQLite3 from your system, use the following command:

sudo apt remove sqlite3

This command removes SQLite3 from your system while retaining any databases you have created.

Installing SQLite3 on Ubuntu is a straightforward process that involves updating your package list and running a simple installation command. With SQLite3 installed, you can create and manage databases efficiently, making it an excellent choice for lightweight database management.