SQLite to MariaDB: 4 Easy Steps for Data Replication

SQLite and MariaDB are the most widely used open-source Relational Database Management Systems in the world. Both, MariaDB and SQLite use the Structured Query Language (SQL) to define, update, and query data in Databases. However, each Database has its own set of advantages and use-cases. Depending on the use case, one might want to move data from SQLite to MariaDB for further analysis.

SQLite is described as a “software library that implements a self-contained, serverless, zero-configuration, transactional SQL database engine.” Unlike most other SQL databases, SQLite does not have its own server process and it is best suited for smaller Databases. However, MariaDB actively collaborates with third-party developers to deliver the industry’s most feature-rich, stable, and sanely licensed open SQL server.

As your business scales, your Database grows, and SQLite might not prove to be very effective for your data. Therefore, it is highly recommended to migrate migrate SQLite to MariaDB for additional features, new storage engines, fewer bugs, and improved performance. This article provides you with a step-by-step guide to migrating from SQLite to MariaDB.

What is SQLite?

SQLite is a C programming library that contains a transactional SQL database engine. This open-source Relational Database Management System, which is freely available in the public domain, differs from client-server model-based relational databases. It is usually run on the server rather than on your system. SQLite functions as an embedded database within the software that accesses the data. You can directly access the database without requiring mediation from the host server.

SQLite, unlike other standalone process databases, can be connected statically or dynamically to your application, depending on your needs. SQLite is a serverless, zero-configuration database known for its portability, consistent performance in low-memory ecosystems, and reliability. It is designed to function without the assistance of a Database Administrator, and it is simple to set up. SQLite adheres to ACID [Atomicity, Consistency, Isolation, and Durability] principles in all of its data transactions.

Key Features of SQLite

SQLite has gained popularity as a database engine due to the following characteristics:

• No Setup Required: You don’t need to install or configure anything on your system right away. An administrator is not required to start, stop, or configure a server process, create a new database instance, or assign access permissions to users.
• Cross-platform Database: SQLite databases are stored on a single disc file. Furthermore, the file format is cross-platform. A database created on one computer can be copied and used on another computer with a different architecture.
  SQLite databases can be moved between 32-bit and 64-bit machines, as well as big-endian and little-endian architectures.
• No External Dependencies: SQLite requires very little help from the Operating System or third-party libraries (except for some standard C-library calls). The entire SQLite library is contained in a single source code file, with no additional features or tools required to be built.
• SQL Support: SQLite provides a full SQL implementation that includes an unlimited number of tables, indexes, triggers, and views. A table can have up to 32K columns and an unlimited number of rows, as well as multi-column indexes, ACID transactions, Nested transactions, Subqueries, and so on.
• Easy-to-Use: SQLite supports the majority of the SQL92 (SQL2) query language features. SQLite is written in ANSI C and has a simple and straightforward API. SQLite is compatible with UNIX (Linux, Mac OSX, Android, and iOS) and Windows (Win32, WinCE, WinRT).

What is MariaDB?

MariaDB is a MySQL fork that was created in 2009. To put it another way, MariaDB is a drop-in replacement for MySQL. Users can use drop-in replacement to replace the standard MySQL Server with the MariaDB server. MariaDB was created by the MySQL Developers and is intended to remain open source. Furthermore, MariaDB is a fast, scalable, and robust database that is supported by a large ecosystem of storage engines, plugins, and other tools. 

MariaDB is a Relational Database System with a SQL interface for data access, it is used to convert data into structured information in a variety of applications ranging from banking to eCommerce. MariaDB is a fast, scalable, and robust database that is supported by a large ecosystem of storage engines, plugins, and other tools.

Key Features of MariaDB

The following are some of MariaDB’s key features:

• JSON Compatibility: With the widespread use of JSON format for data storage in applications, MariaDB provides JSON support, allowing users to insert JSON documents into a specially designated table column.
• Engine for Sequence Storage: MariaDB’s sequence storage engine generates ascending or descending sequences of numbers with specified starting, ending, and increment values.
• A Cluster of Galera: The Galera Cluster technology in MariaDB enables synchronous data replication to keep the server up and running at all times and prevent data loss.

How to Connect SQLite to MariaDB?

You now have a basic understanding of SQLite and MariaDB. This section will teach you how to connect SQLite to MariaDB. ESF Database Migration Toolkit is a powerful and high-performance toolkit for migrating data between database formats such as SQLite, MariaDB, and others.

This article explains how to use the ESF Database Migration Toolkit to quickly migrate data from SQLite to MariaDB! It will assist you in completing complex database migration tasks while saving you a significant amount of time!

Follow the below-mentioned steps to connect SQLite to MariaDB manually:

• Step 1: Select a Data Source
• Step 2: Select a Location
• Step 3: Select the Source Table and click View
• Step 4: Execution

Step 1: Select a Data Source

• Select “SQLite” from the “Choose a Data Source” dialogue.
• To select the SQLite database file, click the “…” button.

Step 2: Select a Location

• Select “MariaDB” from the “Choose a Destination” dialogue.
• Enter the server name (localhost), port (3306), username, and password.
• MariaDB supports a variety of Storage Engines; for more information on the MariaDB Storage Engine, please click here.
• Select a character set, such as UTF-8.
• To list all MariaDB database automation, click the “Refresh” button. You can select an existing database or enter a new database name; this toolkit will create the new database during the migration process.

Step 3: Select the Source Table and Click View

• Select the tables/views that will be migrated in the “Select source Tables(s) & View(s)” dialogue.

Step 4: Execution

In the SQLite MariaDB “Execution” Dialogue;

• Click “Submit” to start the migration; this toolkit will assist you in quickly migrating data from SQLite to MariaDB without requiring any intervention.
• To view the full migration of SQLite MariaDB log, click “Browse Log.”
• Click “Save as job” to save the migration settings to a job file, which you can then “Load Job” to quickly reload the migration job or run via command-prompt in the future. To get the full command parameters, type “esf-cmd —help” in the command prompt.

The program will complete the migration as quickly as possible and generate a migration report for you. One major drawback is that you need to manually map each field from the source to the destination which is a time-consuming and error-prone operation.

Limitations of Manually Connecting SQLite to MariaDB

The following are some of the drawbacks of manually connecting SQLite to MariaDB:

• Creating a Data Pipeline: Building an in-house Data Pipeline requires extensive experience, time, and manpower, as well as a high risk of error.
• Time-Consuming: Building a Data Pipeline in-house necessitates extensive experience, time, and manpower, as well as a high risk of error.
• Hard Coding: Analysts must write code and manage infrastructure, but they cannot access data within hours.
• Unreliable Application: Sometimes you’ll never know whether the 3rd party application is reliable or not.

Conclusion

After a brief introduction to the key features and use cases, you got a glimpse of how to connect SQLite to MariaDB in this article. Furthermore, you will have to update the data every time it is updated. Also, you will have more than one data source which is where Hevo Data comes in handy! Hevo Data, a No-code Data Pipeline provides you with a consistent and reliable solution to manage data transfer between a variety of sources and a wide variety of desired destinations with a few clicks.

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Share your experience of learning about Connecting SQLite to MariaDB! Let us know in the comments section below!