PostgreSQL vs SQLite

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:

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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