Hiring SQLite Developers: The Complete Guide

What SQLite Developers Actually Do

SQLite roles vary by application type:

Mobile Developers (iOS/Android)

Embed SQLite in mobile apps:

• Design database schemas for local storage
• Optimize queries for mobile performance
• Handle database migrations in app updates
• Manage database file size and cleanup
• Implement offline-first data synchronization

Most common SQLite use case—every mobile app uses it.

Frontend Developers

Use SQLite in browsers and desktop apps:

• Browser-based SQLite (WebAssembly)
• Electron desktop applications
• Progressive Web Apps (PWA) with local storage
• Client-side data caching
• Offline functionality

Growing use case as browsers gain SQLite support.

Backend Developers

Build small applications with SQLite:

• Prototyping and MVPs
• Small web applications (<100K requests/day)
• Embedded systems and IoT devices
• Development and testing databases
• Single-user desktop applications

SQLite works well for small-scale applications.

Full-Stack Developers

Use SQLite across the stack:

• Local development databases
• Testing databases (faster than PostgreSQL)
• Small production applications
• Embedded systems
• Data analysis and reporting tools

Skill Levels

Level 1: Basic SQLite User

Can use SQLite for simple storage:

• Basic SQL queries (SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE)
• Creating tables and indexes
• Using SQLite from application code
• Basic file management

This is entry-level—fine for developers who occasionally use SQLite.

Level 2: SQLite Practitioner

Can optimize SQLite applications:

• Query optimization and EXPLAIN QUERY PLAN
• Index design for performance
• Transaction handling and WAL mode
• Database migrations and schema changes
• Understanding SQLite limitations (concurrent writes)

This is what most "SQLite experience" job requirements mean.

Level 3: SQLite Expert

Can architect SQLite systems:

• Advanced performance tuning
• Understanding SQLite internals (B-tree, WAL)
• Multi-database strategies
• Migration to server databases when needed
• Custom SQLite extensions (C programming)

This is senior Mobile/Backend Engineer territory.

Core SQLite Concepts

File-Based Database

SQLite stores everything in a single file:

Advantages:

• No server setup required
• Easy backup (copy the file)
• Portable across systems
• Perfect for embedded systems

Limitations:

• File locking limits concurrent writes
• Not ideal for high-write workloads
• Network access requires custom solutions

Good SQLite developers understand when file-based storage is appropriate.

ACID Compliance

SQLite is fully ACID-compliant:

Transactions:

• Atomic: All or nothing
• Consistent: Valid state always
• Isolated: Concurrent transactions don't interfere
• Durable: Changes persist to disk

WAL Mode:

• Write-Ahead Logging improves concurrency
• Better performance for read-heavy workloads
• Reduces lock contention

Expert SQLite developers understand transaction isolation and WAL mode.

SQL Compatibility

SQLite supports most SQL features:

Supported:

• Standard SQL (SELECT, JOIN, subqueries)
• Indexes (B-tree, covering indexes)
• Triggers and views
• Full-text search (FTS5)
• JSON support (JSON1 extension)

Not Supported:

• ALTER TABLE limitations (can't drop columns easily)
• No stored procedures
• Limited concurrent write performance

SQLite developers know SQLite's SQL dialect differences from PostgreSQL/MySQL.

When to Use SQLite

Good For:

• Mobile applications (iOS, Android)
• Desktop applications
• Small web applications (<100K requests/day)
• Development and testing
• Embedded systems
• Browser-based applications
• Single-user applications

Not Good For:

• High-concurrency write workloads
• Multi-user applications requiring row-level locking
• Applications needing advanced features (stored procedures, complex ALTER TABLE)
• Very large datasets (>100GB)

Expert SQLite developers know when to migrate to PostgreSQL or MySQL.

Common Use Cases

Mobile App Local Storage

Storing data offline in mobile apps:

• Priority skills: Schema design, migration handling, performance optimization
• Interview signal: "How do you handle database migrations in app updates?"
• Red flag: Doesn't understand mobile app lifecycle

Browser-Based Applications

Using SQLite in browsers (WebAssembly):

• Priority skills: WebAssembly integration, browser storage limits
• Interview signal: "How do you handle browser storage quotas?"
• Red flag: Unaware of browser limitations

Development/Testing Databases

Using SQLite for faster tests:

• Priority skills: Schema compatibility, migration strategies
• Interview signal: "How do you ensure SQLite tests match production PostgreSQL?"
• Red flag: Assumes SQLite and PostgreSQL are identical

Small Production Applications

Running SQLite in production:

• Priority skills: Understanding limitations, monitoring, backup strategies
• Interview signal: "When would you migrate from SQLite to PostgreSQL?"
• Red flag: Doesn't understand SQLite's concurrency limitations

Common Hiring Mistakes

1. Treating SQLite Like a Server Database

SQLite is not PostgreSQL. Candidates who don't understand file-based limitations will make poor architecture decisions.

2. Ignoring Migration Knowledge

Most applications start with SQLite and migrate to PostgreSQL. Test their understanding of when and how to migrate.

3. Overlooking Mobile Experience

If hiring for mobile development, SQLite knowledge is essential. Don't assume backend developers understand mobile SQLite patterns.

4. Not Testing Query Optimization

SQLite performance matters, especially on mobile. Test their ability to optimize queries and use EXPLAIN QUERY PLAN.

5. Assuming Standalone SQLite Role

SQLite is rarely a standalone role. It's usually part of mobile development, frontend development, or small backend applications.

Recruiter's Cheat Sheet

Technical Terms to Know

Resume Green Flags

• Mobile app experience ("Built iOS/Android apps with SQLite")
• Performance optimization ("Optimized SQLite queries for mobile")
• Migration experience ("Migrated from SQLite to PostgreSQL")
• Schema design ("Designed SQLite schemas for offline-first apps")
• Production SQLite use ("Ran SQLite in production for small app")
• Testing strategies ("Used SQLite for faster test suites")

Resume Red Flags

• Only lists "SQLite" without context
• No understanding of SQLite limitations
• "Expert in SQLite" but only tutorial projects
• Claims SQLite expertise but treats it like PostgreSQL
• No mobile or embedded system experience

Modern SQLite (2024-2026)

Browser SQLite (WebAssembly)

SQLite compiled to WebAssembly for browsers:

• sql.js: JavaScript port of SQLite
• wa-sqlite: WebAssembly SQLite
• Use cases: Client-side data processing, offline PWAs

Growing adoption as browsers gain SQLite support.

Mobile SQLite

Native mobile database:

• iOS: Core Data (built on SQLite) or direct SQLite
• Android: Room (SQLite abstraction) or direct SQLite
• React Native: react-native-sqlite-storage

Standard for mobile app local storage.

SQLite in Production

Small-scale production use:

• When appropriate: Low-traffic apps, single-user apps, embedded systems
• Migration path: Move to PostgreSQL/MySQL when scaling
• Best practices: Monitoring, backups, understanding limitations

Acceptable for small applications, but know when to migrate.

SQLite Extensions

Custom functionality:

• FTS5: Full-text search
• JSON1: JSON support
• Custom extensions: C programming for specialized needs

Advanced use cases for specialized requirements.