Introduction

The Definitive Guide to SQLite covers SQLite in a comprehensive fashion, giving you the knowledge and experience to use it in a wide range of situations. Whether you are a hard-core C developer, are a mobile device aficionado, or are just seeking more know-how on the best embedded and small-footprint database engine ever invented, this book it for you.

Prerequisites

This book assumes no prior knowledge of SQLite, though naturally people of all experience levels will benefit from the material. SQLite is written in C with an extensive C API and also supports many other languages such as Python, Tcl, Ruby, and Java. As a database engine, it also makes extensive use of SQL. Although the examples in this book will benefit a reader of any skill level, we don't have space to also teach those languages.

How This Book Is Organized

The book contains 11 chapters, which cover the following broad areas:

• SQLite introduction, acquisition, and installation
• Using SQL with SQLite
• The C API for SQLite
• Using languages such as Python, Tcl, Ruby, and Java with SQLite
• Mobile device development with SQLite
• Internals and new features of SQLite

There's no real impediment to jumping in to whatever area takes your fancy, though you may find that Chapters 5, 6, and 7, which deal with the C API, are best approached in order.

Obtaining the Source Code of the Examples

The source code of all the examples in the book is available from the book's catalog page on the Apress web site, at http://apress.com/book/view/1430232250. Look for the “Source Code” link in the “Book Resources” sidebar.