SQLCipher - Opening an encrypted database on desktop

Question

I'm experimenting with SQLCipher on Android. I wrote a small app that created a database with one table and a few records on the emulator. Then, I pulled the database from the emulator onto my desktop. I've looked at the SQLCipher documentation, but I can't figure out how to actually decrypt the database on the desktop so I can query its contents. I wanted to make sure I actually inserted records. What's the easiest process to get access to the records? Thanks.

Introduction

I do not see any evidence of a pre-compiled command-line sqlite3 or anything like that based on SQLCipher. In theory, you can compile it yourself. You might also wish to inquire on the SQLCipher support group: groups.google.com/group/sqlcipher/topics – Grolier

Answer 1

Following the build instructions on the SQLCipher site will allow you to compile a command line version of the sqlite3 command line shell. If you are on windows you can also purchase one of the windows binary distributions, which both include a pre-compiled windows binary shell.

Phillipp

Is this different from the sqlite3 command line tool that's included in the tools folder of the Android SDK? – Introduction

yes, the version distributed with the Android SDK doesn't include the SQLCipher extensions, so it is unable to access an encrypted database. You need to use a sqlite3 command shell that was built to include the SQLCipher extension. – Phillipp