DuckDB (LakeXpress DB Only)

DuckDB can be used as the LakeXpress DB — the internal database where LakeXpress stores its configuration, tracks sync state, and logs pipeline runs. It is not supported as a source database.

Like SQLite, DuckDB is file-based and requires no server. Only file-based databases are supported; in-memory mode (:memory:) is not supported because LakeXpress needs its tracking data to persist between runs.

Connection Parameters

Parameter	Required	Description
ds_type	Yes	Must be "duckdb"
auth_mode	Yes	Must be "filesystem"
filepath	Yes	Path to DuckDB database file

Example

{
  "lxdb_duckdb": {
    "ds_type": "duckdb",
    "auth_mode": "filesystem",
    "info": {
      "filepath": "/var/lib/lakexpress/export_log.duckdb"
    }
  }
}

When to Use DuckDB

Good for: single-user setups, development, testing, fast analytical queries, lightweight embedded needs.

Avoid for: concurrent writes, high-concurrency production, distributed systems.

Troubleshooting

Unable to open database file: Check file path, verify directory exists with write permissions, use absolute paths, check disk space.

Database is locked: Ensure no other process is using the file, close existing connections, check for stale lock files.

See Also

• Database Connections Overview - Auth file format, security best practices