LiteDB is a .NET NoSQL document store that operates as a single embedded database file.
LiteDB addresses the need for lightweight data persistence in .NET applications by embedding a complete NoSQL database within a single file, eliminating the requirement for a separate database server. The tool stores documents in BSON format and provides a MongoDB-like API, allowing developers to work with familiar document-oriented patterns. It implements ACID transactions with full write-ahead logging for data recovery, supports encryption using DES and AES cryptography, and enables indexing and LINQ-based queries. The entire implementation compiles to a single DLL under 450 kilobytes, making it suitable for scenarios where minimal dependencies are preferred.
LiteDB suits desktop applications, local tools, small websites, and per-user data stores where a traditional server-based database introduces unnecessary complexity. It works well as an application file format or embedded data layer. The tool is particularly valuable for developers building standalone applications or those needing to distribute a database alongside their software without external infrastructure. The project includes LiteDB Studio, a UI tool for database management and visualization, and supports integration with LINQPad and other development tools through community plugins.
The project maintains active development with a redesigned storage engine that eliminates read locks to allow concurrent readers while implementing per-collection write locks for concurrent writers. The codebase includes support for SQL-like syntax alongside the document API, partial document loading at the root level, and internal system collections. Documentation is available through the project wiki with translations provided by the community.
