# Source: https://content.nuxt.com/raw/docs/advanced/tools.md

# Tools

> Debugging tools

Nuxt Content uses an **SQLite database (contents.sqlite)** to store and query content efficiently. If you're running into **missing content, slow queries, or database issues**, debugging your SQLite database can help!

<callout icon="i-simple-icons-visualstudiocode" to="https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=alexcvzz.vscode-sqlite">

A simple way to inspect it? **Use the SQLite VS Code extension!**

</callout>

## Install SQLite VS Code Extension

1. Open **Visual Studio Code**.
2. Go to the **Extensions** panel (`Ctrl+Shift+X` / `Cmd+Shift+X` on Mac).
3. Search for **"SQLite"** (by `alexcvzz`) and install it.
4. Open your Nuxt Content database (`.data/content/contents.sqlite`).

<tip icon="i-lucide-lightbulb">

If you don't see `contents.sqlite`, start your Nuxt app first:

```bash [Terminal]
npx nuxi dev
```

</tip>

## Locate Your SQLite Database

Nuxt Content stores its database here:

```bash
.data/content/contents.sqlite
```

<note to="https://nuxt.com/docs/getting-started/prerendering">

This file is automatically generated when you start your Nuxt app. No need to create it manually!

</note>

## Open & Explore the Database

1. **Right-click** on `contents.sqlite` in VS Code.
2. Select **"Open Database"**.
3. Expand the **Database Explorer** panel to view tables & data.

![SQLite Explorer in VS Code](https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/c9f22c4c-7a95-43e8-ab03-aa76f2e49c8e)

## Fixing Common Issues

### Content Not Showing?

1. **Check if the database exists** (`.data/content/contents.sqlite`).
2. **Run a cleanup & restart Nuxt**:
```bash [Terminal]
npx nuxi cleanup && npx nuxi dev
```
3. **Check if content is inside the database** (run an SQL query).

### Manually Reset the Database

If things seem **really broken**, try resetting it:

1. **Delete the database file**:
```bash [Terminal]
rm -rf .data/content/contents.sqlite
```
2. **Run cleanup** to remove old caches:
```bash [Terminal]
npx nuxi cleanup
```
3. **Restart Nuxt** to generate a fresh database:
```bash [Terminal]
npx nuxi dev
```

<note icon="i-lucide-triangle-alert">

Cleaning up will remove cached data. Don't worry—it regenerates automatically!

</note>

## More Debugging Tools

If VS Code isn’t enough, check out:

- 🖥️ [**DB Browser for SQLite**](https://sqlitebrowser.org/) – A visual tool for inspecting & modifying the database.
- 🛠️ **SQLite Command Line** – Use `sqlite3 contents.sqlite` to run SQL queries from your terminal.