Clean Your SQLite Databases to Speed up Firefox

Posted on Aug 25, 2009 in Hacks

Error Console in Firefox

Did you know you can tidy Firefox up, with VACUUM? No, I do not mean that thing you use to clean your carpets.  Here is a way to VACUUM your places database from within the browser.

Here are the steps you need to take:

1. Open the Firefox tools menu and click on error console.
2. Paste the following command into the code box as a single line:
Components.classes["@mozilla.org/browser/nav-history-service;1"].getService(Components.interfaces.nsPIPlacesDatabase).DBConnection.executeSimpleSQL("VACUUM");
3. Hit the “Enter” key or click the evaluate button.

The user interface will freeze for a moment, but after you are done, your SQLite databases should be less fragmented than before, leading to a leaner and meaner Firefox browsing experience.

Thanks goes to Mozilla developer Jeremy Orem for this fantastic tip!

Bonus – Vacuum Places Improved is an add-on that will do this for you automatically.

  • k

    Wow, it did help! FF no longer freezes when I start typing an address. Thanks.

  • k

    Wow, it did help! FF no longer freezes when I start typing an address. Thanks.

  • Eremita

    Mitch,

    I understand the Pros to doing this, but what are the possible drawbacks — maybe none? Thanks.

  • Eremita

    Mitch,

    I understand the Pros to doing this, but what are the possible drawbacks — maybe none? Thanks.

  • Walter Earnshaw

    This is the first time I have heard about FF and SQLite databases in the same breath. Can I possibly toddle along without this? If not, could you produce an article re FF n SQLite databases syuitable for beginners and wannabees?

  • Walter Earnshaw

    This is the first time I have heard about FF and SQLite databases in the same breath. Can I possibly toddle along without this? If not, could you produce an article re FF n SQLite databases syuitable for beginners and wannabees?

  • JBaruch
  • JBaruch
  • http://www.3sulblog.com/2010/01/08/ripulite-il-database-sqlite-per-velocizzare-firefox/ Ripulite il Database SQLite per velocizzare Firefox – 3sulBlog

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