# Connecting to SQLite using Node.js

> Connect a Node.js application to a SQLite database with the sqlite3 package, with example code and common error fixes.

Source: https://helpcenter.ruachost.com/developers/databases/connecting-to-sqlite-using-node-js/

SQLite is a lightweight, serverless database engine that integrates easily with Node.js  applications. On **ruachost.com**, you can connect to SQLite databases using the popular **sqlite3** package.

## Why Use Node.js with SQLite?

- Perfect for lightweight applications and prototyping.
- Stores data in a single portable `.db` file.
- Asynchronous I/O in Node.js  makes queries fast and scalable.
- No external database server required.

## Steps to Connect to SQLite Using Node.js

### Step 1: Install Node.js and sqlite3

1. Log in to your hosting account via SSH.
2. Ensure Node.js  is installed.
3. Install the sqlite3 package:

   ```bash
   npm install sqlite3
   ```

### Step 2: Write Connection Code

### Example

```
// Import sqlite3

// Enable verbose mode for debugging
sqlite3.verbose();

// Connect to SQLite database file (creates if not exists)
const db = new sqlite3.Database('example.db');

// Run queries
db.serialize(() => {
  db.run("CREATE TABLE employees (firstname TEXT, lastname TEXT, title TEXT)");
  db.run("INSERT INTO employees VALUES ('Kelly', 'Koe', 'Engineer')");

  db.each("SELECT firstname, lastname FROM employees", (err, row) => {
    console.log(row.firstname + " " + row.lastname);
  });
});

// Close connection
db.close();
```

### Step 3: Handle Common Errors

- If you see:

  ```
  SyntaxError: Cannot use import statement outside a module
  ```

  → Create a `package.json` file in your project directory and add:

  ```
  {
    "type": "module"
  }
  ```
- This enables ES module syntax (`import`) in Node.js..

> **Important Notes:**
- Replace `example.db` with the path to your actual database file.
- If the file does not exist, SQLite will create it automatically.
- Always close the database connection (`db.close()`) to free resources.
- Use prepared statements for secure queries against SQL injection.