MySQL vs SQLite

What Are The Differences Between MySQL and SQLite?

Both MySQL and SQLite are database management systems that are used to operate relational databases. Although both MySQL and SQLite provide a similar primary feature of working with relational databases, some paramount differences are used for evaluation when the question of MySql vs SQLite arises. Some of the major differences in MySQL vs SQLite are Architectural Differences, Data Type Support, Storage and Portability, Multiple Access and Scalability, Security, Ease of Setup, etc.

SQLite vs MySQL

As discussed in the previous section, even though both MySQL and SQLite are RDBMS, still there are some differences. In this section we will go through the difference` between MySQL vs SQLite:

Architectural Difference

• SQLite is a self-contained, server-less database. In SQLite, the database engine does not need a server, rather it runs as an element of the application we are working on. Thus, SQLite can also be termed an embedded database management system.
• MySQL, unlike SQLite is not self-contained, rather it works on a client-server architecture, i.e. MySQL needs a server-side program to operate with it and then send or receive data to the client side.

Data Type Support

• SQLite has a small spectrum when it comes to supporting data types. The SQLite only supports Integer, Real, Blob, Text, and Null data types.
• MySQL provides more flexibility in the case of data type support. It has support for more than 25 data types which include Tinyint, Smallint, Mediumint, Int, Bigint, Double, Float, Real, Decimal, Double precision, Numeric, Timestamp, Date, Datetime, Char, Varchar, Year, Tinytext, Tinyblob, Blob, Text, MediumBlob, MediumText, Enum, Set, Longblob, Longtext.

Storage and Portability

• SQLite is a lightweight database management system. In SQLite, the information is stored directly within a single file. Copying the information is relatively easier than MySQL. Also in SQLite, there is no need for configurations as the processes are executed with nominal support. Thus, the size of the SQLite library is around 250 kb.
• In MySQL the information is stored in multiple files and folders structure. Thus when the information has to be exported, all the information is condensed into a single file by copying the data. This required a lot of memory. Thus, the size of the MySQL library is around 600 MB.

Multiple Access and Scalability

• The SQLite database management system can not be used in case of multiple users as it lacks a systematically implemented user management system. Thus, in the case of projects that have to be scaled to a higher level, SQLite is a less preferred option as it may cause issues in the optimization of performance.
• The MySQL database management system is one of the most preferred options when there is a scope of scalability. MySQL has a well-implemented user management system that provides options such as granting privileges`, managing table authorities, etc, thus making it suitable for projects where performance optimization is needed. It can also quickly handle complex queries which are different from SQLite.

Security and Ease of Setup

• The SQLite database management system is relatively less secure. The SQLite lacks any in-built mechanism for authentication thus allowing anyone access to databases in the system. Because of the same reason, setting up a database using SQLite is an easier task as it involves less complexity.
• The MySQL database management system is a safer version and has an in-built mechanism for security including authentication, SSH, etc. User needs to go through a set of steps before getting into databases as well as not every user can access every role in the database management system. For the same reason, setting up a database using MySQL is relatively more complicated.

When to Use SQLite

Now that we have gone through MySQL vs SQLite, in this section, we will learn the cases when we should use SQLite database management system:

• SQLite can be used when we are working on a small project that does not have much complexity and needs not to be scaled on a broader level.
• SQLite can be used when we are working on an application that runs locally on the device and doesn't require anything else to be functional thus there is no risk of security breach etc.
• SQLite can be used when we are working on an application where there is no proper server-side program implemented and reading and writing directly from disk can be allowed.
• SQLite can be used when the project we are working on involves basic-level development and testing and involves only one user.

When to Use MySQL

Now that we have gone through MySQL vs SQLite, in this section, we will learn the cases when we should use MySQL's database management system:

• MySQL can be used when we are working on projects that have a scope of scalability.
• MySQL can be used with projects that are web-based or projects that can be accessed by multiple users and thus has a need to implement better security and authentication as well as a role-granting mechanism.
• MySQL can be used when we are working with projects that have the systematic client-server model and need larger and scalable databases.
• MySQL can be used with project based on distributed systems and need a tailored solution.

Pros and Cons – SQLite vs MySQL

So far we have covered MySQL vs SQLite. In this section, we will go through the pros and cons of MySQL and SQLite.

Pros of MySQL

• MySQL's database management system provides the scope of scalability.
• MySQL database management system had security mechanisms thus making it a safer and more secure option.
• MySQL database management system has a properly implemented user management system and thus can be accessed by multiple users.
• MySQL database management system can be used to quickly process a large set of queries.

Cons of MySQL

• Setting up MySQL database management system is relatively complex as it requires many steps.
• MySQL database management system requires a big chunk of memory.
• The syntax of MySQL database management system is a bit complex.

Pros of SQLite

• `SQLite database management system is lightweight compared to MySQL.
• SQLite database management system is easier to set up as it does not involve any complexity.
• `SQLite database management system can be easily used for testing.
• There is no need for a client-server model to use an SQLite database management system.

Cons of SQLite

• `SQLite database management systems lack any implementation of security and authentication mechanisms thus making them less safe.
• SQLite database management system cannot be scaled on a larger level.
• SQLite database management system user management system, thus, cannot be used with multiple users.