Why SQLite is Perfect for Small Web Apps

SQLite often gets dismissed in favour of PostgreSQL or MySQL, but for a huge class of web applications it is not just good enough — it is the best choice available.

Zero Configuration

There is no server to install, no user accounts to configure, no connection strings to manage. Your entire database is a single file on disk. You can copy it, back it up with cp, and move it between servers trivially.

Surprisingly Capable

SQLite handles thousands of reads and writes per second without breaking a sweat. For a blog, a portfolio site, or even a small e-commerce store, you will never come close to its limits.

ACID Compliant

Unlike some lightweight alternatives, SQLite is fully ACID compliant. Your data is safe even if the server loses power mid-write. Transactions work exactly as you would expect.

Combined with Perl DBI and DBD::SQLite modules, SQLite makes for a development experience that is hard to beat for projects of this scale.