mcp-sqlite-tools — Claude Code MCP server: features and setup
An MCP server for local SQLite database management using the built-in Node.js driver. It lets agents run queries, manage savepoints, and perform online backups.
claude mcp add mcp-sqlite-tools -- npx -y mcp-sqlite-toolsWhat mcp-sqlite-tools does
This server isolates database calls into separate tools for reading, writing, and maintenance. The separation prevents unintended changes during data reviews. When the client invokes execute_read_query, SQLite authorizer rules block schema alterations or modifications automatically.
Under the hood, the server relies on the standard node:sqlite module rather than external drivers like better-sqlite3. That choice shrinks production installs to 3.6 MB compared to 31.3 MB in older setups. It handles nested savepoints, CSV imports, and online backups that preserve committed WAL data.
The runtime requirement is strict: you need Node.js 24.12 or newer. Older runtimes lack the built-in SQLite driver and fail immediately. Restricting file access is straightforward by setting SQLITE_ALLOW_ABSOLUTE_PATHS to false.
What it helps with
- create online backups of SQLite databases with WAL support
- import and export structured data using headered CSV files
- isolate read-only queries from unintended database modifications
- manage nested transactions and savepoints during multi-step edits
Example prompts for the agent
- Describe the schema of table
usersinapp.dband show the first 10 rows. - Create an online backup of
production.sqliteinto the./backupsfolder. - Import records from
customers.csvinto thecustomersdatabase table.
How to install mcp-sqlite-tools
Platform CLI
claude mcp add mcp-sqlite-tools -- npx -y mcp-sqlite-toolsPlatform CLI
codex mcp add mcp-sqlite-tools -- npx -y mcp-sqlite-toolsConfig file
{
"mcpServers": {
"mcp-sqlite-tools": {
"command": "npx",
"args": [
"-y",
"mcp-sqlite-tools"
]
}
}
}Config file
{
"servers": {
"mcp-sqlite-tools": {
"type": "stdio",
"command": "npx",
"args": [
"-y",
"mcp-sqlite-tools"
]
}
}
}Platform CLI
gemini mcp add mcp-sqlite-tools npx -y mcp-sqlite-toolsStep by step, with commands for each platform: How to add an MCP server to Claude Code, Codex, Cursor, VS Code, Gemini CLI and more
Questions about mcp-sqlite-tools
How to install mcp-sqlite-tools in Claude Code?
Run claude mcp add mcp-sqlite-tools -- npx -y mcp-sqlite-tools. This registers the MCP server through npx without requiring a global package installation.
Why does this server rely on native SQLite?
It runs on the built-in node:sqlite module to avoid native compilation scripts and platform binaries. This drops the production dependency footprint to 3.6 MB.
What runtime is required for this server?
You must have Node.js 24.12 or newer and an MCP client capable of handling stdio connections.
