Azure SQL Database vs SQLite: What are the differences?
Introduction
This Markdown document provides a comparison between Azure SQL Database and SQLite based on key differences.
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Scalability:
Azure SQL Database is designed to handle large workloads and can scale up or down based on the demand. It supports scaling both vertically (increasing or decreasing the performance level of the hardware) and horizontally (adding or removing replicas). On the other hand, SQLite is not suitable for large-scale applications as it does not support horizontal scaling and is limited to a single file database.
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Cloud vs Local:
Azure SQL Database is a cloud-based service provided by Microsoft that runs on the Azure platform. It offers the advantage of easy setup and maintenance without the need for hardware infrastructure. On the contrary, SQLite is a local on-disk file-based database engine that is embedded within the application itself. It is suitable for offline or client-side applications where there is no need for a server or network connection.
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Concurrency:
Azure SQL Database supports concurrent read and write operations with multi-user access. It provides advanced locking mechanisms to ensure data integrity in a multi-user environment. SQLite, on the other hand, is limited in terms of concurrency. It allows multiple reads but only one write operation at a time, which makes it more suitable for single-user or small-scale applications.
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SQL Compatibility:
Azure SQL Database fully supports the SQL language and provides a comprehensive set of SQL features and functionalities. It includes support for complex queries, stored procedures, and user-defined functions. In contrast, SQLite supports a subset of SQL and does not have full compatibility with SQL standards. It lacks some advanced features such as stored procedures and triggers.
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Data Volume:
Azure SQL Database can handle large volumes of data with its scalable architecture. It supports databases of up to 100TB in size, allowing organizations to store and process massive amounts of data. SQLite, on the other hand, is more suitable for small to medium-sized databases. It has a practical limit on the size of the database file, typically around terabytes.
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High Availability and Disaster Recovery:
Azure SQL Database provides built-in high availability and disaster recovery features. It offers automatic backups, replication, and failover mechanisms to ensure data availability and minimize downtime. SQLite, being a local database engine, relies on manual backup and restore processes. It does not have built-in mechanisms for high availability or disaster recovery.
In Summary, Azure SQL Database is a scalable cloud-based relational database service with support for advanced SQL features, high availability, and disaster recovery, making it suitable for large-scale applications. On the other hand, SQLite is a lightweight, file-based database engine with limited scalability and concurrency, making it more suitable for smaller applications or offline scenarios.
