SQLite Explorer · dachava.dev

Overview

SQLite Explorer is a browser-based database viewer powered by sql.js (SQLite compiled to WebAssembly). You drag a .db file into the browser window — nothing is uploaded anywhere — and get a table browser, a query editor with syntax highlighting, and a schema inspector.

It started as a scratch tool for my own use. I had a SQLite database from a side project and didn’t want to install DB Browser for SQLite just to run a few queries.

Features

Drag-and-drop file loading — no upload, everything stays in your browser
Table browser — list all tables, view row counts, browse rows with pagination
SQL query editor — with syntax highlighting and keyboard shortcuts
Schema inspector — view CREATE TABLE statements, indexes, and triggers
Export — download query results as CSV or JSON
No tracking, no server — 100% client-side

Architecture

The entire app is a single HTML file (after the Vite build). sql.js loads the SQLite WASM binary, which the browser caches after the first visit.

User drops .db file
       │
       ▼
FileReader API reads bytes
       │
       ▼
sql.js opens database from Uint8Array
       │
       ▼
App queries sqlite_master for schema
       │
       ▼
Renders table list, user can query

State management is intentionally minimal — just a single db reference and a reactive render function. No framework, no virtual DOM. The DOM update cost for a SQL query result is negligible.

What I’d do differently

I’d use OPFS (Origin Private File System) to allow persisting and modifying databases, not just reading them. The read-only constraint was fine for my use case but limits the tool significantly.

I’d also add a proper query history with local storage persistence. Right now each session starts fresh.

Status

The core feature set is stable and I use it regularly. I’m not actively developing new features, but it works well for what it does.