- Home
- Document Databases
- LiteDB
LiteDB
What it is
LiteDB is a free, open-source NoSQL document database for .NET, delivered as a single DLL and designed to run embedded without a separate database server. It stores data in one datafile and supports ACID transactions, with recovery from write failures through WAL mode. Queries can use SQL-like commands or LINQ, and query EXPLAIN plans are available. LiteDB maps POCO classes to BsonDocument and includes a fluent API for custom mapping. Its intended uses include mobile apps, desktop and local applications, application file formats, web applications, and per-user data stores. FileStorage can keep files and streams in the database, with a documented 16 MB limit for each root BSON document. LiteDB describes itself as thread-safe, with cross-collection transactions, no reader locks, and per-collection writer locks. Datafiles can be password-protected using salted AES encryption; the encryption documentation specifies ECB mode, and changing or removing a password requires rebuilding the datafile. The project is available under the MIT License and through NuGet, and links to LiteDB.Studio for administration.
For and against
For
- Runs embedded without a separate database server.
- Supports ACID transactions and WAL recovery.
- Offers SQL-like commands, LINQ, and EXPLAIN plans.
- Free for everyone, including commercial use.
Against
- Each root BSON document has a 16 MB limit.
- Changing or removing a password requires rebuilding the datafile.
- Encryption documentation specifies ECB mode.
The verdict
LiteDB is a compact embedded database option for .NET applications, with transactions, query tools, and file storage. Review the BSON document limit and encryption details before choosing it for a project.
Who it suits
LiteDB suits .NET developers who want an embedded document database for local, desktop, mobile, or web applications. It is free for commercial use under the MIT License.
Plans and prices
LiteDB
Free for everyone, including commercial use
Read 4 Oct 2026 · litedb.org
On the record
- Concurrency
- LiteDB describes itself as thread-safe, with cross-collection transactions, no reader locks, and per-collection writer locks.litedb.org · read 4 Oct 2026
- Data storage
- LiteDB stores data in a single datafile and supports ACID transactions and recovery in write failures using WAL mode.litedb.org · read 4 Oct 2026
- Encryption
- LiteDB documents password-protected datafile encryption using salted AES; its encryption page specifies ECB mode and says changing or removing the password requires rebuilding the datafile.litedb.org · read 4 Oct 2026
- File storage
- FileStorage stores files and streams in the database; LiteDB documents a 16 MB limit for each root BSON document.litedb.org · read 4 Oct 2026
- Integrations
- LiteDB is installable through NuGet, and the site links to LiteDB.Studio, an admin tool that supports its SQL commands.litedb.org · read 4 Oct 2026
- License
- The site identifies LiteDB as free and open source and displays the MIT License.litedb.org · read 4 Oct 2026
- Mapping
- LiteDB maps POCO classes to BsonDocument and supports a fluent API for custom mapping.litedb.org · read 4 Oct 2026
- Product
- LiteDB is a serverless, embedded .NET NoSQL document database delivered as a single DLL.litedb.org · read 4 Oct 2026
- Queries
- LiteDB supports SQL-like commands, LINQ queries, and query EXPLAIN plans.litedb.org · read 4 Oct 2026
- Support
- The project directs users to GitHub issues, Gitter chat, and Stack Overflow for community help.litedb.org · read 4 Oct 2026
- Use cases
- The site lists mobile apps, desktop and local applications, application file formats, web applications, and per-user data stores as intended uses.litedb.org · read 4 Oct 2026
