I am using sqlite3 for a component database, via the ODBC driver from:
http://www.ch-werner.de/sqliteodbc/sqliteodbc.exeWorks very well, except that it doesn't quite fix the issue of Altium holding the database open in exclusive mode. If I add a component via an external DB browser (actually DB Browser) with Altium open, a database refresh will see the new component, but placing it doesn't include the right data. Typically it will end up as whatever the schematic symbol is setup for (i.e. the default footprint for that, the comment, etc. Close Altium, flush the database, restart Altium and all is fine. But it's a dent in the old workflow.
So, I am testing the Devart sqlite ODBC driver. This costs actual money (or will if I buy it) but seems to work well. I can add a component and use it straight away in Altium after hitting refresh, and it's the proper component with all fields as they should be.
But... one snag: in the DBLib editor, in the table browser view, every field is either "(MEMO)" or "(Memo)". If I right click a part, the context menu offers to open symbol or footprint whatever, and that whatever is the right name for that part. But the table browser shows (Memo).
Anyone got a clue what might be causing this? I don't tend to use the table browser, but sometime I might find I need to, and generally things being not as expected indicate some fault or failure which may not be readily apparent.
FWIW the connection string (most of which I don't think I need because it's just replicating what the driver is set to) is:
DRIVER=Devart ODBC Driver for SQLite;ODBC Behavior=3;Journal Mode=WAL;Locking Mode=Normal;Synchronous=Normal;String Types=Ansi;Database=<path to db>