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TutorialApril 6, 2026

SQLite Browser Tutorial: Open, Query & Edit SQLite Databases in Your Browser

A complete guide to the DevToolSets SQLite Browser — open existing database files, create new ones, write SQL queries, browse tables, and export your work, all running locally via WebAssembly.

What You'll Learn

  • How the SQLite Browser runs entirely in your browser via WebAssembly
  • Opening existing SQLite database files
  • Creating a new empty in-memory database
  • Browsing tables, views, and column schemas
  • Writing and executing SQL queries
  • Exporting your database as a .sqlite file
  • Using query history to re-run past statements

How It Works

The SQLite Browser uses sql.js, a WebAssembly port of SQLite, to run a full SQLite engine inside your browser tab. This means:

  • No server, no credentials, no network requests for queries
  • Your database files never leave your machine
  • It works offline once the page is loaded
  • You get full SQLite compatibility including triggers, views, and indexes

Step 1: Opening a Database

1

Open the SQLite Browser

Navigate to the SQLite Browser tool. You'll see a drop zone on the left and a query editor on the right.

2

Load an existing file

Drag and drop a SQLite file onto the drop zone, or click to browse. Supported extensions:

  • .sqlite
  • .db
  • .sqlite3
  • .db3

The file is read into memory and you can immediately start browsing and querying.

3

Or create an empty database

Click "Create empty database" to start with a blank in-memory SQLite instance. You can create tables, insert data, and build your schema from scratch using SQL.

Step 2: Browsing Tables

1

View the Tables tab

The bottom panel shows a Tables tab listing all tables and views from sqlite_master. Each entry shows the name, type (table or view), and columns with their data types (from PRAGMA table_info).

2

Click a table to inspect it

Clicking a table name runs a SELECT query against it and shows the data in the Results tab. The table list refreshes automatically after each query, so newly created tables appear immediately.

Step 3: Running SQL Queries

1

Write your SQL

The query editor comes pre-filled with:

SELECT name FROM sqlite_master WHERE type='table';

Replace it with any SQLite-compatible SQL.

2

Execute

Click the Run button. Since SQLite runs locally via WASM, queries execute instantly.

3

Read the results

Results appear in the Results tab at the bottom in a table format, with execution time displayed above. Errors show the full SQLite error message.

Example queries to try

SELECT name, type FROM sqlite_master;
PRAGMA table_info('your_table');
CREATE TABLE notes (id INTEGER PRIMARY KEY, title TEXT, body TEXT, created_at DATETIME DEFAULT CURRENT_TIMESTAMP);
INSERT INTO notes (title, body) VALUES ('Hello', 'My first note');
SELECT sqlite_version();

Step 4: Exporting Your Database

Click the download button in the file panel to export the entire database as a .sqlite file. The exported file is a fully valid SQLite database that you can open in any SQLite tool — DB Browser for SQLite, the sqlite3 CLI, or load it back into this tool later.

When to export

  • After creating or modifying tables and data
  • Before closing the tab — data doesn't persist in memory
  • To share a database with someone else

Step 5: Using Query History

How it works

  • Every query you run is saved to the History tab (up to 20 entries)
  • Click any past query to re-run it instantly
  • History is stored in your browser's IndexedDB and persists across sessions
  • Older entries are automatically pruned when the limit is reached
  • History persists even when the database data doesn't — useful for rebuilding

Step 6: Customizing the Layout

The interface uses a resizable split layout. Drag the dividers to adjust:

  • Horizontal divider — adjust space between the file panel and query editor
  • Vertical divider — adjust space between the top panels and the bottom results area

Common Use Cases

Inspecting app databases

Open a SQLite database from a mobile app, Electron app, or any project that uses SQLite to quickly browse its contents.

Learning SQL

Create tables, insert data, and practice SQL in a zero-setup environment that runs entirely in your browser.

Prototyping schemas

Design and test table schemas, relationships, and queries before implementing them in your application.

Quick data edits

Open a database, run UPDATE or INSERT queries, and export the modified file — all without installing any software.

Tips & Best Practices

  • Export your database before closing the tab — everything is in memory and will be lost on refresh
  • Use PRAGMA table_info('tablename'); to see column details including types and primary keys
  • SQLite supports triggers, views, indexes, and most standard SQL features
  • For large databases, performance depends on your device's available RAM since the entire file is loaded into memory
  • Query history persists across page reloads even though the database data doesn't
  • Use SELECT sqlite_version(); to check which SQLite version is running

Ready to try it out?

Open SQLite Browser →