SQLite in the browser with WASM/JS (sqlite.org)

Article summary

The SQLite project has announced an official subproject to create a WebAssembly (WASM) and JavaScript version of the SQLite database, allowing it to run in web browsers. The project aims to provide a feature-complete wrapper to the SQLite C API, with support for persistent client-side storage using available JavaScript APIs. The WASM module is designed to work in modern web browsers, with no plans to support old or niche-market platforms. The project is currently in beta, with a public beta release expected in November.

Main themes

• SQLite in the browser
• WebAssembly and JavaScript
• Client-side storage
• Browser security and fingerprinting
• Database solutions for web apps
• Performance and responsiveness
• Caching and resource management

What commenters say

• Including SQLite in browsers by default would be beneficial for developers and users, as it would provide a stable and widely-used database solution.
• Allowing SQLite to be included in browsers by default could lead to fingerprinting and security issues, and may create barriers to entry for competition.
• The size of the WASM file is not a significant concern, as it can be cached and loaded quickly, and is comparable to the size of images and other web assets.
• The stability and reliability of SQLite make it a good candidate for inclusion in browsers, despite potential concerns about updates and compatibility.
• Having a built-in SQLite version could limit the flexibility of developers to choose their own version or compile it themselves.
• The use of SQLite in web applications can provide significant performance and responsiveness benefits, especially for offline-capable apps.
• The inclusion of SQLite in browsers could have implications for caching and resource management, and may require changes to how web assets are served and loaded.