SQLite is a C-language library that implements an efficient and reliable SQL database engine. Boasted as the most used database engine in the world, SQLite is embedded in all mobile phones and the majority of computers. It also comes pre-installed in a plethora of daily use applications.
Renowned for its stability and compatibility across platforms, SQLite is designed with a file format that promises backwards compatibility, an assurance maintained by developers until the year 2050. This high degree of stability makes SQLite database files an ideal solution for transferring rich content between systems. Not to mention, it also serves as a viable format for long-term data archival.
One significant advantage of SQLite is its widespread usage. There are over 1 trillion SQLite databases that are currently active, a testament to its efficiency and robustness. Plus, the SQLite source code is publicly available, allowing anyone to use it for any purpose, thus increasing its accessibility and applicability.
The latest release of SQLite, as of 2023, is Version 3.43.1 - emphasizing the ongoing development and improvement of this database engine. The home page offers avenues for downloading both the latest version and prior releases. It also provides a vast amount of documentation for users- including a 'Getting Started' guide, an explanation of when to use SQLite, changelogs, commonly asked questions, and multiple resources related to SQLite features such as SQL syntax, available functions, and interface specifications.
Given these attributes, SQLite proves to be a small, fast, and reliable database engine, making it a popular choice for developers across the world. By offering a self-contained, full-fledged SQL database engine, SQLite continues to stay relevant and widely adopted, a pattern likely to continue in the coming years.