How to Enable SQLite for PHP 5.X in Windows

Last Updated: March 13, 2021 Tested

So you've just finished installing Apache server and PHP and now you're ready for your database. If you're interested in trying the serverless SQLITE, you may be happy to know there is no installation required, it's already included with PHP 5.0 and greater. If you are a Windows user however, you need to enable the .dll files used by SQLITE in the php.ini file. It's easy, but can be frustrating if you don't know what you're doing.

Steps

1
Open php.ini in a text editor.
2
Search for the following lines:
- ;extension=php_pdo.dll
- ;extension=php_sqlite.dll
3
Remove the semi-colon in front of each line. A semi-colon denotes a commented line. By removing the semi-colon, you are uncommenting the line and telling php to execute the commands. If you cannot find these two lines, add them to php.ini in the exact same order, but without the semi-colons.
4
Save your php.ini file.

Warnings

If needed, enter the command lines above in the exact order. This is the order the modules will load. SQLITE may not work correctly if the order is wrong.

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If using "Save As..." when saving php.ini, make sure you select "All Files" as the file type otherwise your text editor may save the file as php.ini.text.

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Be sure php.ini is in the correct directory. Use phpinfo() to determine which directory php is reading php.ini from.

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