What is DB?

DB files are generic database files that can be created by many different database systems. Most commonly, .db files are SQLite databases - single-file relational databases containing tables, indexes, views, and data. DB files can also be Berkeley DB (key-value store), Microsoft Thumbnail Cache (thumbs.db), or other database formats. The actual structure depends on the software that created it.

DB files are used by mobile apps (Android/iOS), desktop applications, browsers (cookies, history, bookmarks), embedded systems, and local data storage. SQLite .db files power apps like WhatsApp, Firefox, Skype, and thousands of mobile apps. They're ideal for storing structured data without requiring a separate database server, making them perfect for standalone applications.

Did you know? Most .db files are SQLite databases - the world's most deployed database!

History

The .db extension has been used by various database systems over decades, with SQLite becoming the most common format using this extension.

Key Milestones

  • 1986: Berkeley DB created
  • 2000: SQLite released
  • 2005: Mobile apps adopt .db files
  • 2010: Widespread smartphone usage
  • 2015: Billions of .db files in use
  • Present: Standard for embedded databases

Key Features

Core Capabilities

  • Structured Data: Tables and relationships
  • SQL Support: Standard query language
  • Single File: Self-contained database
  • No Server: Embedded database
  • ACID Transactions: Data integrity
  • Cross-Platform: Works everywhere

Common Use Cases

Mobile Apps

Local data storage

Desktop Software

Application databases

Browsers

Cookies, history, bookmarks

Embedded Systems

IoT device data

Advantages

  • Self-contained single file
  • No database server required
  • Fast read performance
  • Zero configuration
  • Cross-platform compatible
  • Reliable and stable
  • SQL query support

Disadvantages

  • Generic extension (format varies)
  • Not for high-concurrency
  • Limited to single file
  • No built-in user management
  • Not ideal for very large data
  • Requires specific tools to open

Technical Information

Format Specifications

Specification Details
File Extension .db, .sqlite, .sqlite3
MIME Type application/x-sqlite3 (SQLite)
Common Format SQLite (most common)
Content Tables, indexes, data
Max Size ~140 TB (SQLite)
Typical Size 100 KB - 100 MB

Common Tools

  • SQLite: DB Browser for SQLite, SQLiteStudio
  • Command Line: sqlite3, Berkeley DB tools
  • IDE: DBeaver, DataGrip, HeidiSQL
  • Analysis: SQLite Analyzer, DB viewer tools