MySQL vs SQLite: When to Use Each

SQLite is a database in a single file with no server; MySQL is a full client-server system. They solve different problems, and knowing the boundary saves you from misusing either.

Key Points

• SQLite: zero configuration, embedded in the app, one file on disk
• MySQL: separate server, many concurrent users, networked access
• SQLite powers mobile apps, browsers, and local prototypes
• Write concurrency is SQLite's limit — one writer at a time
• Data science: SQLite is great for local experiments; MySQL for shared data
• Migration path: prototype on SQLite, deploy on MySQL is common