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How to Use SQLite in Capacitor Apps
Capacitor apps needing extensive data storage beyond simple key-value pairs should utilize SQLite. SQLite offers a robust relational database solution that operates offline and efficiently handles large datasets. This tutorial focuses on the @capawesome-team/capacitor-sqlite plugin, detailing its setup and usage across major platforms. The plugin facilitates schema migrations, transactions, and full-text search capabilities. For web platforms, SQLite runs via WebAssembly, requiring specific server configurations for proper functioning. On mobile and Electron, it leverages native capabilities for performance and integration. The plugin simplifies database management by handling schema versioning and automated upgrades upon opening. Queries are executed safely using prepared statements to prevent SQL injection vulnerabilities. Transactions ensure data integrity by treating multiple operations as a single atomic unit. Full-text search is integrated using FTS5, enabling efficient offline searching within the database. The plugin also includes a key-value store, leveraging the SQLite database for persistence. Database encryption is supported on Android and iOS using SQLCipher for enhanced security of sensitive data. Developers are cautioned against hardcoding encryption keys and to consider platform-specific limitations. The article concludes by hinting at ORM integration for more complex application development.