SQLite vs Microsoft SQL Server Compact

Struggling to choose between SQLite and Microsoft SQL Server Compact? Both products offer unique advantages, making it a tough decision.

SQLite is a Development solution with tags like database, embedded, local-storage, c-library, relational.

It boasts features such as Serverless - No separate server process needed, Zero Configuration - No setup or administration needed, Self-Contained - Contains entire database in a single disk file, Full-featured - Implements core SQL92 features, Cross-Platform - Available on all major operating systems, Small Footprint - Library size is less than 300KB, Reliable - Over 1 trillion database queries per day across millions of installations, Fast - Faster than client/server RDBMS for most common operations, Simple API - Single C library, just sqlite3.h and sqlite3.c and pros including Lightweight and fast, Serverless and zero configuration, Self-contained in a single file, Reliable and battle-tested, Available on all platforms, Simple and easy to use API, Full-featured SQL implementation, Permissive licensing.

On the other hand, Microsoft SQL Server Compact is a Development product tagged with database, sql, microsoft, compact, embedded.

Its standout features include Lightweight, embedded database engine, Small footprint - less than 1MB DLL, Self-contained - no external dependencies, ACID compliant transactions, T-SQL based programming model, ADO.NET interface for data access, Built on SQL Server technology, Supports most SQL Server data types, Encrypts database files, Integrates with Visual Studio, and it shines with pros like Free and open source, Small and fast, Easy to deploy, Familiar T-SQL syntax, Integrates with .NET apps, Based on proven technology.

To help you make an informed decision, we've compiled a comprehensive comparison of these two products, delving into their features, pros, cons, pricing, and more. Get ready to explore the nuances that set them apart and determine which one is the perfect fit for your requirements.

SQLite

SQLite

SQLite is a relational database management system contained in a C library. It is a popular choice as an embedded database for local/client storage in software applications due to its compact size, reliability, and availability on most platforms.

Categories:
database embedded local-storage c-library relational

SQLite Features

  1. Serverless - No separate server process needed
  2. Zero Configuration - No setup or administration needed
  3. Self-Contained - Contains entire database in a single disk file
  4. Full-featured - Implements core SQL92 features
  5. Cross-Platform - Available on all major operating systems
  6. Small Footprint - Library size is less than 300KB
  7. Reliable - Over 1 trillion database queries per day across millions of installations
  8. Fast - Faster than client/server RDBMS for most common operations
  9. Simple API - Single C library, just sqlite3.h and sqlite3.c

Pricing

  • Open Source

Pros

Lightweight and fast

Serverless and zero configuration

Self-contained in a single file

Reliable and battle-tested

Available on all platforms

Simple and easy to use API

Full-featured SQL implementation

Permissive licensing

Cons

Limited concurrency without add-ons

No user management built-in

Limited data integrity features

Not suitable for high-volume OLTP apps

No network access or client-server operation

Limited reporting and analytics features


Microsoft SQL Server Compact

Microsoft SQL Server Compact

Microsoft SQL Server Compact is a free, embedded database that software developers can redistribute with applications for local data storage. It provides a relational database in a small footprint with minimal requirements.

Categories:
database sql microsoft compact embedded

Microsoft SQL Server Compact Features

  1. Lightweight, embedded database engine
  2. Small footprint - less than 1MB DLL
  3. Self-contained - no external dependencies
  4. ACID compliant transactions
  5. T-SQL based programming model
  6. ADO.NET interface for data access
  7. Built on SQL Server technology
  8. Supports most SQL Server data types
  9. Encrypts database files
  10. Integrates with Visual Studio

Pricing

  • Free
  • Open Source

Pros

Free and open source

Small and fast

Easy to deploy

Familiar T-SQL syntax

Integrates with .NET apps

Based on proven technology

Cons

Limited features compared to full SQL Server

Not ideal for large or complex databases

Lacks advanced administration features

Limited to 2GB maximum database size

No graphical user interface