Database / SQLite Interview questions

How do you back up a SQLite database?

Because a SQLite database is just an ordinary file, the simplest backup is a straightforward file copy — but that's only safe when you're certain no write is in progress at the same moment, since copying a file mid-write can capture an inconsistent snapshot.

# simple file copy (only safe if no writes are happening concurrently)
cp mydata.db mydata_backup.db

# safer: SQLite's built-in backup command, safe even with concurrent activity
sqlite3 mydata.db ".backup mydata_backup.db"

The .backup command (or the equivalent sqlite3_backup_* C API) uses SQLite's dedicated online backup mechanism, which correctly handles a database that's actively being read from or written to during the backup, producing a consistent snapshot without requiring you to lock out other activity first — the recommended approach over a raw file copy for any database that might be in active use.

Take quiz

Why is a plain file copy risky as a backup method for an active database? It's never risky under any circumstances

✗ Not quite. Try again.

Copying mid-write can capture an inconsistent snapshot of the file

✓ Correct! Well done.

File copies are always slower than SQL exports

✗ Not quite. Try again.

What is the safer, SQLite-native way to back up a database that might be in active use? The .backup command / sqlite3_backup_* API, which handles concurrent activity correctly

✓ Correct! Well done.

Deleting and recreating the schema

✗ Not quite. Try again.

There is no safer alternative to a raw file copy

✗ Not quite. Try again.

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Database / SQLite Interview questions

How do you back up a SQLite database?

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