Installing SOUNDEX for SQLite with Homebrew - sqlite

Question

I'm trying to use the SOUNDEX function with SQLite. Can I install this with homebrew, or do I need to compile from source?
I've tried
brew install --fresh sqlite --with-functions
which seems to install extension functions, but I still get Error: no such function: SOUNDEX messages on my queries.
I also tried to modify the sqlite formula, adding the following compile option
ENV.append 'CPPFLAGS', "-DSQLITE_SOUNDEX"
based on http://www.sqlite.org/lang_corefunc.html, but this still fails.
Ideally I'd like to avoid compiling SQLite manually from source, even if that means I need to write a custom homebrew formula.

Answer 1

That's the right flag, but you might not be running the right sqlite.
Your approach is correct. Adding that ENV.append 'CPPFLAGS', "-DSQLITE_SOUNDEX" will compile it with soundex. I just tested it with SQLite 3.7.16.2 and homebrew on my OS X 10.8.3 system. Or, for more control, like this.
option 'with-soundex', 'Enable the SOUNDEX function'
def install
[ ... ]
ENV.append 'CPPFLAGS', "-DSQLITE_SOUNDEX" if build.include? "with-soundex"
Are you sure you're calling the right sqlite3 program once it's installed? SQLite is a "keg-only" formula; that is, unlike most homebrew formulas, it does not get linked in to /usr/local/bin, to avoid conflicting with the sqlite supplied with OS X. You need to call the homebrew one with the full path, like /usr/local/Cellar/sqlite/3.7.16.2/bin/sqlite3.
$ /usr/local/Cellar/sqlite/3.7.16.2/bin/sqlite3
SQLite version 3.7.16.2 2013-04-12 11:52:43
Enter ".help" for instructions
Enter SQL statements terminated with a ";"
sqlite> select soundex('Hello, world!');
H464
It would be easy to add a --with-soundex option to the main homebrew sqlite formula, so you don't have to maintain a separate formula. If you think enough people would use it, head on over to the Homebrew issue tracker on GitHub and put in a request for it.