SQLite

You can securely expose and manage SQLite databases through a Model Context Protocol (MCP) server. This server provides a standardized interface to run queries, manage schema, and perform maintenance while enforcing fine-grained permissions and audit logging for secure, controlled access.

How to use

Connect to the SQLite MCP Server using an MCP client. You can either run the server directly via a command line, or configure your MCP client to connect and operate with a defined set of permissions.

Two practical usage patterns are shown below. Use the first to run immediately, or the second to integrate into your client configuration.

How to use with a client (quick start patterns)

# Run directly with npx (no installation required)
npx @berthojoris/mcp-sqlite-server sqlite:////path/to/database.sqlite list,read,create,update,delete

# Add to your MCP client configuration
{
  "mcpServers": {
    "sqlite": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["-y", "@berthojoris/mcp-sqlite-server", "sqlite:////path/to/db.sqlite", "list,read,create,update,delete"]
    }
  }
}

How to install

Prerequisites: ensure you have Node.js (LTS version) and npm installed on your system.

Step 1: Run the server directly without installation (NPX) to try it out.

npx @berthojoris/mcp-sqlite-server sqlite:////path/to/your/database.sqlite list,read,utility

Step 2: Install globally so you can run the server from anywhere.

npm install -g @berthojoris/mcp-sqlite-server
mcp-sqlite-server sqlite:////path/to/your/database.sqlite list,read,create,update

Step 3: Install locally in a project.

npm install @berthojoris/mcp-sqlite-server

Configuration and usage details

Configuration is typically done in your MCP client config. The server supports a standard connection string format for SQLite and a set of permissions to control what actions are allowed.

Core features and permissions

The MCP server provides secure, granular access to SQLite operations with a comprehensive permission system. Permissions include: list, read, create, update, delete, execute, ddl, transaction, utility, and others. Each permission controls a specific set of SQL operations to prevent unauthorized actions.

Security and best practices

Follow security best practices: grant only the permissions you need, use parameterized queries, keep backups, monitor audit logs, and enforce rate limiting. The server includes SQL injection protection, query validation, and detailed audit trails to help you maintain a secure environment.

Common permission combinations

• Read-only access: list,read
• Full CRUD: list,read,create,update,delete
• Full database access: list,read,create,update,delete,execute,ddl,transaction,utility
• Analytics: list,read,utility
• Development: list,read,create,update,delete,ddl,transaction,utility

Available tools

sqlite_query

Execute SELECT queries with parameterized support

sqlite_insert

Insert single records into tables

sqlite_update

Update existing records

sqlite_delete

Delete records from tables

sqlite_schema

Get comprehensive schema information

sqlite_tables

List all tables in database

sqlite_relations

Analyze table relationships and foreign keys

sqlite_transaction

Execute multiple queries atomically

sqlite_backup

Create database backup

sqlite_bulk_insert

Bulk insert with relational support

sqlite_bulk_update

Bulk update with progress tracking

sqlite_bulk_delete

Bulk delete with cascade support

sqlite_ddl

Schema management (CREATE/ALTER/DROP)

sqlite_views

Create, drop, and manage database views

sqlite_indexes

Index management and optimization

sqlite_constraints

View constraints and foreign keys

sqlite_migrate

Data migration between tables

sqlite_backup_restore

Backup tables and restore from SQL files

sqlite_column_statistics

Column statistics and data profiling

sqlite_database_summary

Database summary and metadata

sqlite_schema_erd

Entity relationship diagram data

sqlite_schema_rag_context

RAG context for AI models

sqlite_analyze_query

Query analysis and execution plans

sqlite_optimization_hints

Query optimization suggestions

sqlite_database_health_check

Database health and integrity checks

sqlite_unused_indexes

Find unused or redundant indexes

sqlite_connection_pool_stats

Connection pool statistics