dotConnect for SQLite is an enhanced ADO.NET data provider for SQLite designed for .NET developers building database-driven applications. It provides high-performance SQLite connectivity together with support for Entity Framework, NHibernate, and LinqConnect, as well as Visual Studio integration and additional database development tools.
What's New
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Added support for .NET 10.
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Added compatibility with Visual Studio 2026, including Visual Studio 2026 Insiders.
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Introduced simplified trial activation.
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Added license key-based activation for .NET Framework assemblies.
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Added high-performance batch update operations.
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Added savepoint support to the SQLiteTransaction class.
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Improved compatibility with SQL Server Reporting Services 2017, 2019, and 2022.
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Updated Entity Framework Core support for EF Core 8 and 9.
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Fixed several Entity Framework Core, TransactionScope, licensing, and EntitySet-related issues.
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Improved compatibility with recent Visual Studio versions and development tools.
Key Features
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Provides ADO.NET-based connectivity to SQLite databases.
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Supports 32-bit and 64-bit application architectures.
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Provides managed .NET code for database applications.
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Supports SQLite data types and SQLite-specific functionality.
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Supports Entity Framework and Entity Framework Core.
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Supports NHibernate and LinqConnect.
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Includes Entity Developer for visually designing ORM models.
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Provides connection pooling and configurable pooling options.
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Supports asynchronous command execution.
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Supports high-performance batch processing and batch updates.
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Provides a connection string builder and provider factory.
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Supports named parameters.
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Provides extended metadata and error information.
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Includes SQLiteDataTable for working with tables and query results.
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Supports asynchronous and non-blocking data fetching.
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Provides on-demand fetching for data-bound controls.
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Supports paginated access to query results.
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Supports master-detail relationships based on queries.
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Includes SQLiteDump for exporting databases or database components to scripts and restoring them.
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Supports user-defined SQLite functions and SQLite extensions.
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Provides support for SQLite encryption extensions where applicable.
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Integrates with Visual Studio development tools.
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Includes visual editors for configuring database components.
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Provides DataSet Wizard, DataSet Editor, and DataSet Manager tools.
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Supports flexible data binding for Windows Forms applications.
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Provides ASP.NET data providers for membership, roles, sessions, and profiles.
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Includes SQLiteDataSource and SQLiteCacheDependency components for ASP.NET applications.
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Provides SQL syntax highlighting and IntelliSense support in design-time editors.
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Includes TableMappings editing tools.
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Provides database preview and management features during development.
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Includes documentation and sample projects for supported development environments.
User Interface
dotConnect for SQLite integrates closely with Visual Studio rather than functioning primarily as a standalone database application. Developers can configure connections, inspect database objects, work with DataSets, and use visual component editors directly within the development environment.
The included Entity Developer tool provides a graphical environment for designing ORM models and working with database entities.
Installation and Setup
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Install dotConnect for SQLite on a supported Windows system.
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Make sure the required .NET environment is installed.
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Open Visual Studio and create or open a .NET project.
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Add the dotConnect for SQLite provider to the project.
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Configure the SQLite connection string.
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Connect the application to the required SQLite database.
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Configure Entity Framework, LinqConnect, or another supported ORM if needed.
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Build and test the database connection.
How to Use
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Create a .NET application in Visual Studio.
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Add dotConnect for SQLite to the project.
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Configure the SQLite connection and connection string.
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Open the database through the provider.
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Execute SQL commands or use an ORM framework.
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Use DataSet and data-bound components when required.
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Configure connection pooling and other performance options.
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Use Entity Developer when designing ORM models.
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Test queries and database operations during development.
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Build and deploy the application with the required provider components.
FAQ
What is dotConnect for SQLite used for?
It is an ADO.NET data provider that allows .NET applications to connect to and work with SQLite databases while providing additional ORM support, development tools, and performance features.
How is dotConnect for SQLite different from a basic SQLite provider?
It adds features such as Entity Framework, NHibernate, LinqConnect, Visual Studio integration, connection pooling, batch processing, visual development tools, and extended data-access functionality.
Does dotConnect for SQLite support Entity Framework?
Yes. It supports Entity Framework and Entity Framework Core, including recent EF Core versions.
Does it support LinqConnect?
Yes. LinqConnect is included as one of the supported ORM technologies.
Can it be used with Visual Studio?
Yes. The provider integrates with Visual Studio and provides design-time tools, visual editors, database management features, and Entity Developer.
Is dotConnect for SQLite suitable for commercial applications?
Yes. It is designed for professional .NET development and can be used in commercial and enterprise applications that require advanced SQLite data access.
Does it require .NET?
Yes. The provider is designed for the .NET ecosystem and requires a compatible .NET environment depending on the application and provider version.
Alternatives
System.Data.SQLite is a widely used SQLite provider for .NET applications.
Microsoft.Data.Sqlite provides Microsoft's lightweight SQLite integration for modern .NET applications.
SQLite-net is a lightweight library focused on SQLite database access from .NET applications.
Dapper is a lightweight .NET object-relational mapping solution that can also be used with SQLite through compatible database connections.
Pricing
dotConnect for SQLite is commercial software and is available with a trial version. Licensing options include subscription-style terms and perpetual licensing, depending on the edition and purchase plan.
The source pricing information lists:
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1-year license: $269.95, with optional Premium Support
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2-year license: $389.95, with optional Premium Support
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3-year license: $489.95, with optional Premium Support
A 30-day money-back guarantee is also available according to the supplied product information.
System Requirements
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OS: Windows 7, 8, 10, or 11
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Architecture: 32-bit or 64-bit
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.NET Framework: 4.5 or later for applicable components
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Processor: 1 GHz or faster
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RAM: 512 MB minimum; 1 GB recommended
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Disk Space: Approximately 50 MB
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Development environment: Visual Studio or another supported .NET development environment
Pros
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Strong ADO.NET integration
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Supports Entity Framework, EF Core, NHibernate, and LinqConnect
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Visual Studio integration
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Advanced SQLite-specific functionality
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Connection pooling and batch processing
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Useful design-time development tools
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Includes ORM model designer
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Supports asynchronous database operations
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Suitable for professional .NET applications
Cons
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Commercial licensing can be expensive for individual developers
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Advanced features may require additional configuration
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More complex than lightweight SQLite providers
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Primarily aimed at .NET developers
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Some features depend on the specific .NET and Visual Studio versions being used
Conclusion
dotConnect for SQLite is a comprehensive SQLite data provider for .NET developers who need more than basic database connectivity. Its combination of ADO.NET support, ORM integration, Visual Studio tools, connection pooling, batch processing, and advanced SQLite functionality makes it suitable for professional desktop, web, and business applications.
A 30-day trial is available for evaluation before purchasing a license.