sqlite3

Open or create a database

$ sqlite3 [database.db]

$ sqlite3 [database.db] "[SELECT * FROM table]"

$ sqlite3 [database.db] < [query.sql]

$ sqlite3 -csv [database.db] "[SELECT * FROM table]" > [output.csv]

$ sqlite3 [database.db] ".tables"

$ sqlite3 [database.db] ".schema [table_name]"

$ sqlite3 [database.db] ".import [file.csv] [table_name]"

$ sqlite3 :memory:

sqlite3 [options] [database] [sql]

sqlite3 is the command-line interface for SQLite, a self-contained, serverless SQL database engine. SQLite databases are single files that can be easily shared and backed up.
The tool provides both interactive and batch modes. In interactive mode, enter SQL statements ending with semicolons or dot commands for administrative functions. Batch mode processes SQL from arguments or stdin.
SQLite supports most SQL features including transactions, triggers, views, and complex queries. It's embedded in countless applications and is ideal for local storage, testing, and small-scale applications.

-csv

Set output mode to CSV

Set output mode to JSON

Set output mode to column format

Include column headers in output

Set output mode to one value per line

Set field separator for CSV mode

Execute SQL from file at startup

Batch mode; exit on error

Open database in read-only mode

Show version information

.tables: List all tables
.schema [table]: Show CREATE statements
.headers on|off: Toggle column headers
.mode mode: Set output mode (csv, column, json, line, etc.)
.import file table: Import data from file
.output file: Redirect output to file
.read file: Execute SQL from file
.dump [table]: Dump database as SQL
.exit or .quit: Exit sqlite3
.help: Show all dot commands

SQLite uses dynamic typing; any column can store any type regardless of declared type. This differs from strict SQL databases.
Concurrent writes are limited—SQLite locks the entire database during writes. For high-concurrency applications, consider client-server databases.
Dot commands are sqlite3-specific, not SQL. They don't work in SQL statements or from application code.

mysql(1), psql(1), sqlite-utils(1)