SQLite to MySQL: 2 Easy Methods for Migrating Data

SQLite and MySQL are the most widely used open-source Relational Database Management Systems in the world. Both, MySQL 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 MySQL for further analysis.

SQLite is best suited for smaller Databases and it does not have any specific user management functionality, making it difficult for users to collaborate. It’s not easily scalable and lacks customizability. On the other hand, MySQL supports multiple users and is capable of storing a huge amount of data in the form of MySQL tables.

Hence, 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 from SQLite to MySQL if you’re dealing with large volumes of data.

This article will help you quickly move data from SQLite to MySQL Database. However, before getting into “SQLite to MySQL”, let’s discuss both robust platforms in brief.

What is SQLite?

SQLite is an open-source Relational Database Management System (RDBMS). Most Relational Databases are based on the Client-Server model, which means that the Database typically runs on a server. However, SQLite is a Serverless Relational Database Management System, also referred to as an Embedded Database.

SQLite Database operates from within the software that is accessing data. The Database can be accessed directly without the need for intermediation from a Host Server. SQLite is self-contained, file-based, and is known for its portability, performance in low memory environments, and reliability.

It is designed to work without a Database Administrator and is very easy to set up. The data transactions carried out in SQLite are ACID compliant [Atomicity, Consistency, Isolation, Durability]. SQLite, being an open-source tool, is available free of cost for all users. However, depending on the use case you can always pay for additional extensions. There are Kafka connectors available if you want to use the streaming platform for data replication.

When to Use SQLite?

One of SQLite’s greatest advantages is that it can run on all platforms, including macOS, Windows, Linux, etc. SQLite is an RDBMS contained in a C library. Hence applications written in any language can use SQLite as long as they can be connected to External Libraries written in C. Below are the appropriate uses for SQLite.

• SQLite comes in handy for developing Embedded Software for Digital Devices like Televisions, Mobile Phones, Set-Top Boxes, Game Consoles, Cameras, etc.
• Depending on your usage, you can leverage SQLite’s flexibility to work on multiple Databases in the same session simultaneously.
• SQLite is used as a Temporary Dataset for Applications to get processed with some data.
• SQLite is a cross-platform DBMS, hence you can access it over all platforms including Windows, macOS, and more.
• SQLite works well as a Database Engine for most websites, as it can manage low to medium-traffic HTTP requests.
• Because it is simple to set up and use, it is used in Educational Institutions for learning and training purposes.

What is MySQL?

MySQL is one of the most popular Relational Database Management Systems used for managing Relational Databases. MySQL uses the Structured Query Language (SQL) to define, update, and query the Database. SQL is the most widely used language for accessing and managing records in any Database.

Supported by Oracle, MySQL is an open-source and free Database software under the GNU license. MySQL is faster, highly scalable, and an easy-to-use Database Management System when compared to Microsoft SQL Server and Oracle Database. It is based on the Client-Server model, which means that the Database typically runs on a server and the data is accessed over the network part clients and workstations.

The server returns the desired output to the Graphical User Interface (GUI) requests sent by the clients. MySQL supports different types of Operating Systems with many languages like PHP, PERL, JAVA, C++, C, etc.

When to Use MySQL?

MySQL is the most popular open-source Database used by organizations for Web Development. It forms an integral part of the Software Stack Model that facilitates building Web Applications and Websites. Below are the appropriate uses for MySQL.

• MySQL is capable of handling larger Databases and offers a well-designed User Management System. Hence, it is best suited for handling huge amounts of data and in cases where you require multiple user access.
• The most common use for MySQL is for the purpose of Web Development. MySQL is used in association with Scripting Languages such as PHP or Perl to create Websites that will interact in real-time with a MySQL Database.
• MySQL supports most of data types including tinyint, tinyblob, longtext, etc.
• MySQL is used for a wide range of purposes, including E-Commerce. It can be used to store anything from customer information to a huge inventory of products for an Online Store.
• MySQL allows Database Professionals to configure the Database Server for specific applications. With its high-speed load abilities, distinctive memory caches, and other performance-enhancing features, MySQL can meet all performance requirements of any system.
• MySQL is known for its high scalability and is able to handle deeply Embedded Applications as well as massive Data Warehouses.

SQLite to MySQL – 2 Easy Methods

Depending on the requirements, one might want to migrate from SQLite to MySQL. It is not easy as moving data from a file to a table in MySQL. This section will guide you on how to move data from SQLite to MySQL Database. Below are the two methods.

• Method 1: Converting SQLite to MySQL with .dump Command
• Method 2: Converting SQLite to MySQL with Python

Method 1: Converting SQLite to MySQL with .dump Command

The quickest and easiest way to convert SQLite to MySQL is by exporting an SQL Database to a Dump File, and then importing the SQLite Dump into MySQL Database.

• You can export an SQLite Database to a Dump File using the .dump command.

sqlite3 sample.db .dump > dump.sql

• Now, import this Dump File into MySQL using the command shown below.

mysql -p -u root -h 127.0.0.1 test < dump.sql

That’s it, you can now use this SQLite Database in MySQL. But there’s a cache. This method usually doesn’t work because there are differences in grammar between SQLite and MySQL syntax. Hence, you can’t convert data between Heterogeneous Databases by simply exporting and importing the Dump File.

SQLite	MySQL
BEGIN; … COMMIT;	BEGIN TRANSACTION; … COMMIT;
AUTOINCREMENT TEXT double quotes (” “)	AUTO_INCREMENT varchars backticks (` ` )

Hence, you will be stuck with errors if you go ahead with this method. You’d spend a lot of time resolving data issues.

Method 2: Converting SQLite to MySQL with Python

You can also convert SQLite to MySQL online by writing a free Perl or Python script. But again, this is not so easy and will require experience working with Python.

Here’s a sample Python code for converting SQLite to MySQL.

objects = ModelObject.objects.using(‘sqlite’).all()

for obj in objects:
obj.save(using=’mysql’)

However, this is just a basic code and it is most likely not enough. SQLite to MySQL is a more complex job and it may require a third-party solution to accomplish the migration.

Conclusion

This article introduced you to SQLite and MySQL and provided you with a step-by-step guide on how to convert SQLite to MySQL. Connecting to a MySQL Database through the Dump File method will create a slug of errors and data issues. Connecting to a MySQL Database is a tedious and time taking process but a third-party Data Integration tool can do wonders for you. However, if you’re looking to move complex sets of data in and out of MySQL, you can check out Hevo and its salient features.

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Hevo with its strong integration with 150+ data connectors (including 40+ free sources) such as MySQL, allows you to not only export data from sources & load data to the destinations, but also transform & enrich your data, & make it analysis-ready so that you can focus only on your key business needs and perform insightful analysis.

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Share your experience of converting SQLite to MySQL in the comments section below.