Updated May 29, 2023
Difference Between PostgreSQL vs SQLite
In PostgreSQL vs SQLite, SQLite is defined as an open-source relational database management system that is a file-based system popular for its reliability, portability, strong performance, and lightweight nature that supports a low-memory environment also, and it provides several features like transactional serverless that supports transaction when any system crashes or power outage goes down. PostgreSQL is another open-source relational database management system that handles multiple tasks simultaneously and supports the ACID (atomicity, consistency, integrity, and durability) theorem. PostgreSQL is not as popular as SQLite and is not used widely for storing data.
Head-to-Head Comparison Between PostgreSQL vs SQLite (Infographics)
Below are the top 7 Comparisons between PostgreSQL and SQLite
Key differences between PostgreSQL vs SQLite
Below are the critical differences between PostgreSQL and SQLite
One of the significant differences between both systems is in-memory capabilities. The SQLite system supports in-memory capabilities that help to perform the data operations efficiently, whereas, in the PostgreSQL system, there is no such functionality of in-memory capability.
The other difference between the PostgreSQL and SQLite systems is partitioning methods. The SQLite system does not support any partitioning methods. On the other hand, the PostgreSQL system supports various types of partitioning methods like list, range, and hash.
One of the significant differences between both systems is the use of servers. The SQLite system does not need any server to run; thus, it is known as serverless. On the other hand, the PostgreSQL system requires the server to run and support multiple operating systems like FreeBSD, Windows, Solaris, and many more. The SQLite system does not support XML format. The PostgreSQL system supports XML format.
The other significant difference between both systems is authentication and security. The PostgreSQL system provides various advanced security features and several in-built configurations. On the other hand, in the SQLite system, everyone can access no authentication system used as the files of a database.
Another difference between these two systems is user management. Multiple users can access the system with proper authorization in the PostgreSQL system. The SQLite system does not support access to various users as the user management functionality is not present in the SQLite system. The features offered by the PostgreSQL function are advanced in nature, while on the other hand, the SQLite system provides essential features to the user.
The replication strategy is another crucial difference between the SQLite and the PostgreSQL system. The PostgreSQL system supports master-slave replication, streaming, cascading, and synchronous replicas. On the other hand, there is no replication strategy in the SQLite system, which creates a limitation for this type of system. The compatibility with data types is another major factor in comparing both systems. The PostgreSQL system is mostly compatible with all the data types that make the system popular. On the other hand, the SQLite system does not support advanced data types and only a few data types like Integer, Real, Blob, Text, and Null.
The other significant difference between the system is the use of the database. The PostgreSQL system provides the functionality to handle the complex database without restrictions. On the other hand, the SQLite system is a small application that takes a simple database system. The primary use of the PostgreSQL system is when the two functions of data integrity and data reliability are the points of concern. Conversely, the SQLite system is favored when there is a need to utilize the database in standalone applications.
Comparison Table of PostgreSQL vs. SQLite
Below is the comparison table:
|
Factors |
PostgreSQL |
SQLite |
| Definition | PostgreSQL is an object-oriented relational database management system that is very much compatible with SQL features. The PostgreSQL system persists in different properties like atomicity, consistency, integrity, and durability. The system supports join views, foreign keys, stored procedures, and triggers. | SQLite is an embedded system that follows a relational database management system. The system supports cross-platform support, which means it supports various platforms. The SQLite does not need any type of configuration and supports a transactional database engine. |
| Developed and released | The PostgreSQL global development group develops the PostgreSQL system. The PostgreSQL system was released in the year 1996. | Dwayne Richard Hipp develops the SQLite system. The SQLite system was released in the year 2000. |
| Programming language used | The programming language used for the development of the PostgreSQL system is C. | The programming language used for the development of the SQLite system is ANSI-C. |
| Programming language | The programming language supported by the PostgreSQL system is C, C++, .Net, Java, Python, Perl, PHP, and JavaScript. | The programming language the SQLite system supports is C, C++, Java, Python, Perl, Ruby, C#, Scala, and many more languages.
|
| Platform supported | The PostgreSQL system supports multiple platforms like Linux, Unix, Windows, NetBSD, HP-UX, Solaris, and OpenBSD. The PostgreSQL system supports user-defined functions. | The primary system supported by the SQLite system is UNIX, Android, Mac-OS, Linux, and Windows. The SQLite system does not support server-side scripting. |
| Ease to setup | The installation process of the PostgreSQL system is easy and provides advanced features to the system. The configuration of this system takes time and is a complex part. | The installation process of the SQLite system is easy, and the system is easy to use that can be used by the beginner. The system does not need any configuration. |
| Features | There are several features supported by the PostgreSQL system like. The system is free to download, and the system is extensible. The system supports multiple programming languages. The PostgreSQL system supports SQL features. | The SQLite system supports several features: It is open-source, does not require any license, and is flexible. The SQLite supports a cross-platform that helps the user install this system in any operating system. The data stored in this system can be easily fetched and managed. |
Conclusion
The SQLite and PostgreSQL database system is an open-source RDBMS system that supports the ACID theorem and helps to manage the data. IoT and embedded applications typically prefer SQLite, while complex database systems often choose the PostgreSQL system. The system selection is based on the use case and requirements of the application.
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