sqlite3(1) on Solnix vs Linux and the BSDs

sqlite3 is not in the Solnix base system: install pkgs.solnix.sqlite to get it. The Solnix page documents no options at all and says to use .help, whereas the NetBSD page lists options and a fixed set of meta-commands.

What Solnix runs

Not installed by default: add pkgs.solnix.sqlite. No other illumos variants are shipped. The Solnix page is the upstream SQLite page and its example banner shows SQLite version 3.43.0 2023-08-11.

Differences

Compared withTopicWhat differs
NetBSDoptions documentedThe NetBSD page has an OPTIONS section listing -init, -echo, -header, -noheader, -column, -html, -line, -list, -separator, -nullvalue, -version and -help. The Solnix page has no OPTIONS section and documents none of them, though it uses -line in an example.
Source: NetBSD sqlite3(1) OPTIONS; Solnix sqlite3(1) SYNOPSIS and DESCRIPTION
NetBSDmeta-command listThe NetBSD page lists its meta-commands (.dump, .import, .mode, .schema, .tables and others). The Solnix page says the available commands differ by version and build options, so it does not list them. Run .help on Solnix.
Source: Solnix sqlite3(1) SQLITE META-COMMANDS; NetBSD sqlite3(1) SQLITE META-COMMANDS
NetBSDSQLite versionThe Solnix example banner shows SQLite version 3.43.0 and the hint 'Enter ".help" for usage hints.' The NetBSD example shows version 3.1.3. The NetBSD list of meta-commands and options therefore reflects an older SQLite and may not match the Solnix build.
Source: Solnix sqlite3(1) DESCRIPTION example; NetBSD sqlite3(1) DESCRIPTION example
NetBSDinit fileThe NetBSD page describes the startup order: defaults, then ~/.sqliterc, then -init file, then the other command-line options. The Solnix page does not document an init file or this order.
Source: NetBSD sqlite3(1) INIT FILE; Solnix sqlite3(1) (no such section)
NetBSDdefaults for scriptingThe NetBSD page states the default output mode is list, the separator is |, and the main prompt is 'sqlite> '. The Solnix page states no defaults, so a script should set mode and separator explicitly.
Source: NetBSD sqlite3(1) INIT FILE step 1, -separator; Solnix sqlite3(1) (no defaults stated)
Linux, FreeBSD, OpenBSDcounterpart pagesThe bundle includes no Linux, FreeBSD or OpenBSD sqlite3 page, so the manual cannot be used to say how those systems differ.
Source: Bundle header (only a NetBSD counterpart)

Standards

  • POSIX: sqlite3 is not a POSIX.1-2024 utility.

Writing portable scripts

  • Set the output mode and separator explicitly in scripts (for example -list, -separator, -header or -noheader) instead of relying on defaults, since the Solnix page documents none.
  • Check that sqlite3 is on PATH before use: it is not in the Solnix base system and needs pkgs.solnix.sqlite.

Every difference here is taken from the manual pages linked above: Solnix's published page, Linux (man-pages and the GNU and util-linux manuals), FreeBSD, OpenBSD and NetBSD. Each row names its source. Where a manual is silent, this page is too. Compiled 2026-10-26. Found a mistake? Mail hackers@lists.solnix.io.