cysqlite

How are you distributing SQLite now? That is, do you compile and distribute the version from sqlite.org or do you depend on someone else to package it for you? If the former, then change the compile flags. If the latter, isn't the problem that your distro/packaging provider didn't enable the flags you wanted? Complain to them. As a quick look, I see karlb/sqlite-icu claims "includes a loadable icu extension module for sqlite. This allows other python packages to use this extension without requiring dependencies outside of the python ecosystem". I've never tried it. There are also alternate sqlite bindings for Python, like coleifer/cysqlite .

If you are used to stdlib but want sane transactional semantics or the ability to easily statically link your own SQLite implementation (eg to have encryption), I’ve written some bindings as well: coleifer/cysqlite This supersedes my earlier pysqlite3 project. Perf is better than stdlib, but not as good as apsw. Roger is doing amazing work and I urge anyone wanting to fully utilize SQLite to try apsw. It does everything, exposes all API surfaces, and has a fantastic track record.