SQLite by Richard Hipp

Most of the database management system options on the market are of a proprietary nature, but there is one notable exception to the common rule. Available as public domain source code, the SQLite system developed by Richard Hipp has found its way into a number of popular applications that make use of the database architecture. While working to develop a database management system for guided missile destroyer ships in the United States Navy, Hipp hit virtual gold when he came up with an idea that made perfect sense. Instead of a database and a management system, a more efficient solution would be to make a database design that does not need external administration. The result was SQLite and its popularity has soared.

Many open and closed source software packages use SQLite as a critical part of the program. Two of the three most popular web browsers, Mozilla Firefox and Google Chrome, use the database manager to store information. In addition, the image editing program, Adobe Photoshop, uses the technology as a standard file format. Other famous programs tht use the SQLite database include Google Android, Skype, Symbian OS, and the Apple iOS.

The reason that SQLite has found so many homes is its small size and reduction of computing resources that are needed to power it. For providing an easy to access list of information, such as phone numbers or bookmarked websites, the database manager has proved to be an excellent solution that is relatively stable when compared to more resource intensive database management system software. The source code for the SQLite database technology is kept in Fossil, a distribution system that hosts code as well as allows tracking of bugs to be done. Also created by Richard Hipp, the Fossil system was built on the SQLite architecture and technology.