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sqlite3 app.dbCreates the file if it does not exist and opens an interactive shell session.
SQLite CLI and Shell Cheatsheet
sqlite3 shell commands for opening databases, inspecting schema, formatting output, importing CSV, and scripting common interactive workflows.
Export
Copy the compact sheet, download it, or print it.
Download
`D` dense toggle · `C` copy all
Open and inspect databases
Start sqlite3, open files, inspect databases, and discover schema objects.
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sqlite3 :memory:Useful for quick experiments, demos, and throwaway SQL tests.
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.databasesDisplays the database aliases and file paths known to the current connection.
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.tablesFast way to discover tables and virtual tables from the shell.
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.schemaGood for inspecting tables, indexes, triggers, and views.
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.schema usersLimits output to matching objects, which is easier to read in larger databases.
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.fullschemaHelpful when investigating query-planner behavior and generated internal objects.
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.helpUseful when working on a new machine or less-familiar sqlite3 version.
Output, import, and export
Format results, run scripts, import CSV, and dump databases.
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.headers onOften paired with `.mode column` for human-readable query results.
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.mode columnGreat for interactive browsing in a terminal.
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.mode csvUseful before redirecting or writing query output to a file.
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.import ./users.csv usersMake sure the target table exists first or use a staging table for cleanup.
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.read ./schema.sqlUseful for schema initialization, migrations, or repeatable demos.
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.dumpHelpful for backups, migrations, and reproducible fixtures.
Write the next query result to a file
Send one result set to a file without changing subsequent output.
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.once users.csvCombine with `.mode csv` and a `SELECT` statement to export a query result.
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.recoverCan salvage data from a corrupt database into SQL output for rebuilding.
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SQLite PRAGMA and Administration Cheatsheet
High-signal PRAGMA commands for foreign keys, cache, synchronous settings, page size, temp storage, health checks, and general SQLite administration.
SQLite JSON Functions Cheatsheet
json_extract, json_set, json_each, JSON operators, generated columns, and practical JSON query/update patterns in SQLite.
SQLite Import, Export, and Backup Cheatsheet
CSV import/export, SQL dumps, VACUUM INTO, backup copies, and repeatable data movement patterns for SQLite databases.
SQLite Transactions, WAL, and Locking Cheatsheet
BEGIN modes, COMMIT and ROLLBACK, savepoints, WAL mode, busy timeouts, and concurrency patterns for SQLite applications.