ContentProviders

SQLite Database SQLite is a software library that implements aself- contained, serverless,zero- configuration,transactionalSQL database engine. SQLite is the most widely deployedSQL database engine in the world. The source code for SQLite is in thepublic domainself- containedserverlesszero- configurationtransactionalmost widely deployedpublic domain Unlike client–server database management systems, the SQLite engine has no standalone processes with which the application program communicatesclient–server processes

What is SQLite SQLite is an Open Source Database which is embedded into Android. SQLite supports standard relational database features like SQL syntax, transactions and prepared statements. In addition it requires only little memory at runtime (approx. 250 KByte).

Use in Mobile Devices Due to its small size, SQLite is well suited to embedded systems, and is also included in: Apple's iOS (where it is used for the SMS/MMS, Calendar, Call history and Contacts storage)iOS Symbian OS Nokia's MaemoMaemo Google's AndroidAndroid RIM's BlackBerryBlackBerry Linux Foundation's MeeGoMeeGo Palm's webOS [31]webOS [31] However, it is also suitable for desktop operating systems; Apple adopted it as an option in Mac OS X's Core Data API from the original implementation in Mac OS X 10.4 onwards, and also for administration of videos and songs on the iPhone.Mac OS XCore DataMac OS X 10.4 iPhone

SQLite in Android SQLite is available on every Android device. Using an SQLite database in Android does not require any database setup or administration. You only have to define the SQL statements for creating and updating the database. Afterwards the database is automatically managed for you by the Android platform.

ContentProviders and sharing Data An SQLite database is private to the application which creates it. If you want to share data with other applications you can use a ContentProvider. A ContentProvider allows applications to access data. In most cases this data is stored in an SQlite database

Content Providers A ContentProvider can be used internally in an application to access data. If the data should be shared with another application a ContentProvider allows this. The access to a ContentProvider is done via an URI. The basis for the URI is defined in the declaration of the ContentProvider in the "AndroidManifest.xml" file via the android:authorities attribute. Many Android datasources, e.g. the contacts, are accessible via ContentProviders. Typically the implementing classes for a ContentProviders provide public constants for the URI's.