Readers suggest – best SQLite tools digest

Post on SQLite Expert had got bunch of suggestions about similar tools for creating, editing and viewing SQLite databases.

It would take me forever to do separate review on each one so I decided to combine them in a digest format. There were some other highly discussed posts on software recently so more digests will probably follow.

Sqlite3Explorer

Single executable no-install download. I liked it until launch. :) App has simple and clear interface but outright plagued by errors that pop up on most things from context menu I tried and some from regular menu. Terms used are quite cryptic for me as well – this one may be more suited for some accomplished SQLite guru. Table design via making changes to text scripts (right).

Link http://www.singular.gr/sqlite/

SQL Drill

This one doesn’t give powerful set of function but only performs one function – sucks data from databases (not limited to SQLite, I guess anything that has Windows driver will work) into Excel spreadsheet. I do not use Excel at home so couldn’t check it but it sure is interesting option for advanced reports, charts and everything else Excel can do with bunch of tables.

Link http://www.sqldrill.com/

TkSQLite

Written in TCL (just how many scripting languages are there) and with long development history this one seems compact and highly cross-platform app. It seems to not duplicate what can be done with queries directly in interface so amount of buttons to press may seem lacking. Table design via graphical editor and CSV import/export make it interesting choice for database design and data import.

Link http://reddog.s35.xrea.com/wiki/TkSQLite.html

SQLite Manager

Straightforward name but quite original platform of Firefox extension. I guess this one started as tool to dig in Firefox internals (which are exactly SQLite since version 3) but it works with external databases just fine. Interface feels bit weird (browser is not database manager after all) but there is plenty of functions and vast import/export options.

Link https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/5817

AnySQL Maestro

This one is tricky. Company provides specialized commercial SQLite Maestro but generic AnySQL Maestro is free. It will also connect to anything that has driver… But I couldn’t make it work. Probably my highly tortured VirtualBox test platform is to blame. This one is clearly extensive and heavy solution with multiply functions, done in MS Office style.

Link http://www.sqlmaestro.com/products/anysql/maestro/

SQLite Spy

Picked this one from Portable Freeware Collection so it is naturally completely portable. App is hardly feature-rich but is wicked fast. Very responsive operation, time benchmark and tabbed interface make it excellent viewer with in-grid editing of data.

Link http://www.yunqa.de/delphi/doku.php/products/sqlitespy/index

Overall

SQLite management tools seem to come in many flavors (really many). Still, while core set of functions is roughly same, extras like import/export and manipulation with existing database without losing data seem to only come in more complex or commercial tools.

Many thanks to Rob Dunn of Freeware Junkie, JeeMan of jfbrunet.com and Keith for their comments and suggestions. Keep them coming! :)