One of SQLite database features is the ability to create virtual tables, which are special types of tables that don’t actually store data. Instead, they provide a way to access data from other sources and present it in a table-like format. The SQLite CREATE VIRTUAL TABLE statement is used to create a new virtual table.
Syntax
The syntax for creating a virtual table in SQLite is similar to that of a regular table, but with some key differences. Here’s an example of how to create a virtual table:
CREATE VIRTUAL TABLE mytable USING module_name(arg1, arg2, ...);
In this syntax, mytable is the name you choose for the virtual table, and module_name is the name of the virtual table module you want to use. The arg1, arg2, etc. are arguments that depend on the specific module you’re using. Different modules can have different arguments and options.
Example
For example, if you wanted to create a virtual table using the FTS5 module, which provides full-text search functionality, you might use the following syntax:
CREATE VIRTUAL TABLE mytable USING fts5(content);
In this case, mytable is the name of the virtual table, and fts5 is the name of the module. The content argument tells FTS5 which column to use for full-text searching.
Virtual tables can be very useful in certain situations. For example, if you have data stored in a non-SQL format, such as a CSV file, you can create a virtual table that reads the file and presents the data as if it were a table in a SQL database. This can make it easier to work with the data using SQL queries and other tools.
In conclusion, SQLite’s CREATE VIRTUAL TABLE command allows you to create tables that don’t actually store data but instead provide a way to access data from other sources. This can be useful for a variety of purposes, such as providing full-text search functionality or accessing data stored in non-SQL formats.