How to Install SQLite on Windows and Mac with Pic Examples
Evidence Nwangwa 
Shows you how to install SQLite on your local Windows or Mac Computer using SQLite DB Browser and SQLite Studio and which one to choose.
If you prefer to watch video instead of reading a blog, here's a video detailing how to install SQLite on Windows and Mac. It's the same information as the blog. Enjoy!!!
What is SQLite?
SQLite is a Database Management System (DBMS) that you use to manage databases from your local computer. It allows you to do database work without connecting to a cloud provider database. You can manage databases, create databases, write & execute SQL Queries, and save your project for later use.
How to Install SQLite on Windows and Mac
When you search for installing SQLite, you might come across this page
Sqlite org download page — https://www.sqlite.org/download.html
It’s very confusing on how to download SQLite from it. And even after downloading SQLite from it, it’s confusing how to utilize it. It doesn’t come with a straight forward user interface.
That’s where SQLite Browser Comes in. If you go to this website
SQLite Browser — https://sqlitebrowser.org/dl/
It will allow you to download a user friendly version of SQLite.
When you get to the website, choose the installation version that’s aligned with your computer and install it.
Another way to install sqlite is using SQLite Studio
Go to this website https://sqlitestudio.pl/ to install it or go to this website https://github.com/pawelsalawa/sqlitestudio/releases to get the latest releases. Install the build that’s compatible with your machine.
My Recommendation
Between the 2, I recommend using SQLite Browser because that’s the one I have used most often and that’s the one I am familiar with.
Also SQlite Browser is more intuitive and easier to use in my opinion.
Also, when I tried installing SQLite STUDIO on Mac using the DMG installer, I got the error saying “The application could not be verified”
SQLite Browser vs SQLite Studio
One thing that stood out to me immediately between SQLite Browser and SQLite Studio is that SQLite Browser gives you the ability to create a database from scratch with the “new database” functionality, while SQLite Studio can only connect to an existing database.
Another difference I noticed is that SQLite Browser has a “browse data” functionality that allows you to just browse the data and view the data in the tables without writing a query.
You can certainly use either, just stating my personal preference.
SQLite Studio does have a “good looking” user interface though. That’s kinda nice.
Installing SQLite Studio on Mac
Like I mentioned earlier, Installing SQLite Studio on Mac presented me with some problems.
Error message when trying to install SQLite Studio on Mac
Once I got past this by clicking “Open”, I was able to install it. I had to click the image twice to get to this screen.
The first time I clicked the image, there was no “open” option. Just cancel and eject disk options.
Second time I clicked it, then I got the “Open” Option that you have above.
MacOs also has a “portable” version.
I downloaded the portable version as well, I clicked SQLiteStudio to open it, but nothing happened. So, either I don’t know how to open it properly or it’s not working as it’s intended. So, just skip that one and go with the DMG Image Installer instead.
The Good thing about SQLite Studio is that it comes with an uninstallation wizard that you click in the finder under applications → SQLite Studio Folder and it uninstalls the application. Just mentioning this because that’s rare and un-usual for MAC computers (I love this feature about windows) and it’s a nice thing to have.
Installing SQLite Browser on Mac
Installing it on mac is very simple and easy.
- Download the installer image from this site — https://sqlitebrowser.org/dl/,
- Open the image
- drag and drop into applications
- Go to applications folder and find DB Browser for SQLite
Installing SQLite Studio on Windows
Unlike Mac, Installing SQLite studio on windows was effortless.
Go to the official website https://sqlitestudio.pl/ or go to the releases page https://github.com/pawelsalawa/sqlitestudio/releases and download the windows edition of the software. Even though downloading it is easy, I still recommend using SQLite Browser.
After downloading it, open the .exe file and click through the next options. That should install it easy-peesy.
Installing SQLite Browser on Windows
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Download the windows version of the software from this site — https://sqlitebrowser.org/dl/. It’s probably a good idea to go with the standard installer instead of the zip file. It’s just easier.
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When you open the installer, it will ask you to accept the conditions.
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After that, it will ask you if you want to download SQLite only or SQLite and SQLCipher. And, where you want the shortcuts placed. I don’t need more stuff on my desktop, so I choose program menu only.
Here are my own choices.
DB Browser for SQLite Windows Shortcuts Options -
Then, it will ask you what extensions you want. Personally, I just go with the defaults here which means everything will be installed.
DB Browser for SQLite Windows Custom Setup Options -
Click next, and then install. You might get a warning about an unknown publisher, click ‘yes’ to proceed with installation
After installation, it’s time to open the application.
So, SQLite Browser comes with SQLite and SQLCipher. After installing, be sure to choose SQLite when you want to do database work. Or you can also choose SQLCipher if that’s what floats your boat 😆
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Categories: : Data Base Management System (DBMS), SQL, SQLite
