SQLite vs Redis for Telegram Bots: When to Use What

SQLite: The Default Choice

import sqlite3

conn = sqlite3.connect('bot.db')

def get_user(chat_id: int) -> dict | None:
    row = conn.execute(
        'SELECT * FROM users WHERE chat_id=?', (chat_id,)
    ).fetchone()
    return dict(row) if row else None

Use SQLite when:

• < 1000 users
• Persistent storage (orders, settings)
• Single-server deployment

Redis: For Speed and Expiry

import redis

r = redis.Redis(host='localhost', port=6379, decode_responses=True)

# Store FSM state with 1-hour expiry
def set_state(chat_id: int, state: str):
    r.setex(f'state:{chat_id}', 3600, state)

# Rate limiting - 5 requests per minute
def is_rate_limited(chat_id: int) -> bool:
    key = f'rate:{chat_id}'
    count = r.incr(key)
    if count == 1:
        r.expire(key, 60)
    return count > 5

Use Redis when:

• Rate limiting
• FSM state
• Caching API responses

Quick Decision Guide

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