Public data APIs
Datasette Lite
A browser-only way to open CSV and SQLite data with Datasette, useful for quick inspection without a server.
- Pricing
- Free
- Login required
- No
- API available
- No
- License
- Open source project; verify current repository license before redistribution.
- Last checked
- 2026-07-09
What it is
Datasette Lite is the fastest way to decide whether a small dataset is worth more work. Drop in a CSV or SQLite file, browse tables in the browser, and test a few filters before you build a pipeline.
Its sweet spot is inspection and teaching. If the dataset turns into a repeatable public tool, graduate to regular Datasette. If you only need to understand the shape of the data, the lite version saves a surprising amount of setup time.
Why worth a look
A browser-only way to open CSV and SQLite data with Datasette, useful for quick inspection without a server.
Good for
- Inspecting a small CSV or SQLite file before deciding whether it deserves a full data app.
- Teaching exploratory data browsing without asking learners to install a database server.
How to start
- Open Datasette Lite and load a small CSV or SQLite database.
- Try filtering one table and save the resulting URL or query as your source trail.
Best first click
Open Datasette Lite with one small local CSV and try a filter before installing anything.
Trust facts
- Pricing
- Free
- Login required
- No
- Open source
- Yes
- API available
- No
- License
- Open source project; verify current repository license before redistribution.
- Risk
- Browser memory and file size limits make it better for inspection than heavy production workloads.