Open CLI

sqlite-utils

scriptabledatabase
$ pipx install sqlite-utils
Summary

SQLite automation, csv/json imports, and data transforms from the terminal.

  • sqlite-utils fits data & db well, especially for sqlite automation, csv/json imports, and data transforms from the terminal.
  • 94 homebrew installs (30d).
  • Good for scripts and agents.
  • Good fit for coding-agent workflows and repeatable scripts.
  • Structured output is available for automation and parsing.
database-sqlite-utils-SKILL.md

Sqlite-utils guide

SQLite automation, csv/json imports, and data transforms from the terminal. Built by Simon Willison. Supports structured output — good for scripts and agents.

Open CLI packages the install path, verify step, and safe-start workflow so this tool can move from “interesting CLI” to something you can actually use. It also integrates with skills.sh so each CLI comes with the right companion skills, not just a binary and a docs link.

When to apply

  • sqlite automation, csv/json imports, and data transforms from the terminal.
  • You want databases you can script with structured output.
  • You need sqlite automation.
  • You need csv/json imports.
  • You need data transforms.

Quick reference

Installpipx install sqlite-utils
Verifysqlite-utils --help
First real commandsqlite-utils insert data.db items items.json --pk id

Open CLI × skills.sh

Open CLI integrates sqlite-utils with the right skills.sh companions so you get the tool and the workflow together.

Database Schema Design

Recommended pairing

Open CLI recommends this skills.sh skill because it fits database workflows. Use better schema and migration decisions when a CLI touches databases.

View on skills.sh
$ npx skills add https://github.com/supercent-io/skills-template --skill database-schema-design
Starter prompt

Use sqlite-utils together with the Database Schema Design skills.sh skill. Inspect the current schema or data first, summarize what matters, and ask before any migration or write action.

Also useful from skills.sh
Data Analysisskills.shBackend Testingskills.sh

Why this tool

  • sqlite-utils fits data & db well, especially for sqlite automation, csv/json imports, and data transforms from the terminal.
  • 94 homebrew installs (30d).
  • Good for scripts and agents.

Watch-outs

  • Run the verify command first.

Example workflow

1. sqlite-utils insert data.db items items.json --pk id

Safe start

Step 1

Install sqlite-utils.

Step 2

Run `sqlite-utils --help` first.

Step 3

Start with `sqlite-utils insert data.db items items.json --pk id`.

Step 4

Install a CLI that matches your database engine.

Alternatives worth considering

prisma

Schema design, migrations, and type-safe db workflows from the terminal.

drizzle-kit

Migrations, schema diffs, and typescript db tooling from the terminal.

usql

Universal SQL shell, multiple databases, and db scripts from the terminal.