DB-WAL File Documentation

Overview

Feature Value
File Extension -wal
Type of File SQLite Database Write-Ahead Log File
Primary Function Store changes to the database before committing them to the main database file
Format Type Binary
Usage Improves write performance and crash recovery
Required SQLite Version 3.7.0 and above
MIME Type N/A
Default Location Same directory as the main database file (.db or .sqlite)
File Naming Convention Main database file name appended with -wal
Maximum Size Limited by disk space, but practical limit set by SQLite configuration
Encryption Dependent on the main database encryption
Header Size 32 bytes
Frame Header Size 24 bytes
Checkpointing Process of merging WAL file changes into the main database file
Atomic Commit Supported, ensuring database integrity
Concurrency Allows higher concurrency by separating reads and writes
Backup and Restore Must include WAL file for complete backup
Journal Mode Setting Set to WAL mode to enable usage of WAL file
Disabling Changing journal mode back to DELETE or another mode
Compatibility Not directly readable by standard SQLite tools without merging back
Advantages Performance gain in environments with more writes