How to choose Best React Native Local Database for Smart Applications

Data and data basesWeb development

Research indicates that Cross-platform development of mobile apps saves 30-40% as compared to Native apps.

Cross-platform app development is in demand, and software developers welcome this change wholeheartedly. Being a web owner, you need to have the top-notch quality of cross-platform apps for expanding your digital business. Even mobile developers love using cross-platform apps since they are affordable and have a small development cycle.

An appropriate framework can help in developing a trustworthy and successful cross-platform app. React Native is one such framework that has achieved the title of “Prime Choice” for mobile app development.

Introduction to React Native

React Native is the most successful web library of Facebook. Not only does Reach Native stand high amongst other platforms, but its open-source UI software framework and its scalability to develop apps for varied operating systems like Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, etc. make it a leader for start-up apps.

Skype, Facebook, Walmart, Instagram, Pinterest, etc. all use this framework.

For native mobile app development, the only choice for app developers is React Native. It beats all the platforms in the market and in a short period, this framework has managed to win millions of hearts with its awesome features, performance, and ease to use.

The popularity of React Native is also because it permits developers to create thrilling real mobile applications using JavaScript. A single code that is dually compatible (used for iOS and Android) can be used in developing applications. This in turn reduces the development time and cost also.

Factors to Consider before Selecting React Native Local Database

Selecting the perfect React Native local database for your application can be a challenge in itself. Application requirements and application security are the most pivotal factors which need to be considered before selecting the native local database.

Few more checkpoints need to be considered before plunging into a decision. They are:

• Functional variations
• Application Security
• Application Requirements
• Operations Speed
• Real-time synchronization
• Code lines
• Data Storage
• Ease of Use

The list is huge. Remember that your choice will affect the performance of your application and hence let’s view all the pivotal factors in detail before you make your final choice.

1.   Data Conflicts and Concurrency:

The more cooperative the application, the more conflicts are bound to arise. You should be able to trace the databases which can handle and take care of conflicts smoothly. Do a thorough check on the documents of the database, and check out the ways they manage the conflicts as well as their impact on the applications.

Moreover, when an app becomes popular, the developers need to be more cautious, since it brings in a vast amount of data. Varied user requests need to be addressed with perfection and accuracy and ensure that all the conflicts, as well as the concurrency, are properly carried out by the React Native local database.

2.   Synchronization of Offline Data:

Users are very demanding. They require their apps to function not only in online mode but also in offline mode too in case of internet issues. Hence, it’s vital to look out for such a database that allows data synchronization for users when they face low internet issues.

3.   Complex Data:

Lookout for a database that can take care of complex data structures. It is evaluated that for maximum applications, data is well-maintained in the key values format or a JSON structure. It is therefore important to choose a proper database that can handle complex data structure for example, complete documents or objects.

4.   Several Code Lines:

Let me commence this with an example. Suppose you need 18 code lines to write SQL CRUD (create, read, update, delete). Don’t make the mistake of choosing an advanced database, since such advanced versions are responsible for creating complexities in your coding. This in turn impacts your database performance.

Processing of codes may even slow down your app or create a lagging effect.

We have noticed that apps having advanced functions can impact user experience as well as app speed, so beware before using such advanced databases.

5.   Memory Handling:

Are you aware that poor handling of data, may lead to application crashes? An important memory management process called Squeezing deletes unwanted and unused data.

Usually, the majority of the React Native databases have the feature to clear cache regularly, to ascertain enough memory space for smooth functioning of the application.

6.   Ease of Use:

 This is the most important factor which needs to be considered before making a final choice of the database. Your selected React Native database should be such that developers can combine the same with fewer efforts. This not only enhances the development process but also simplifies the work of the developer.

Now that you are aware of the check-points and the factors to consider for the selection of your React Native database, let’s proceed to find the most appropriate database for the same.

Best Database for React Native

There are varied React Native databases for mobile applications, of which we have listed the best ones, their features, their benefits, and their clients.

1.   Realm

The Realm database is licensed under the Apache License and built especially for mobile devices. It can manage huge load data of complex data and is quick and easy to use. Software developers love the Realm database since it’s easy to develop mobile apps both online and offline. This open-source (alternative to SQLite & Core Data) and object-oriented database functions 10 times quicker than the relational database. It can be customized for varied OS like iOS, Android, JavaScript, etc.

Apart from this, Realm also supports tablets and wearables.

The popularity of React Native’s local database lies in handling high securities. It uses varied encryption protocols for varied platforms.

With Realm, developers can:

• View, open, and modify the synced systems
• Administrate realm object server instances

Features:

• Realm has excellent concurrency control since it’s built from the ground up in C++.
• The performance is ensured as the Realm database can handle huge data loads.
•  This database has a query engine for finding and filtering objects.
•  It helps to build reactive mobile applications in all places.
• It offers an object-oriented data model.
• Realm also offers storage architecture by using B+ trees to organize objects.
• It enables synchronization through the log component feature.
• It offers strong security since the data always stays in encrypted mode.

Advantages:

• Constant background synchronization helps in saving user interaction.
• Realm comprises a wonderful set of APIs.
• It uses various encryption methods for every mobile platform.
• Realm is offline-friendly with Redux offline.
• It is built for mobile and hence more desirable.
• It’s open-source and designed for online as well as offline use.
• Data synchronization is permissible in this React Native database.
• It permits the development of cross-platform mobile apps and hence is useful for developers.

Disadvantages:

• Since the APK size becomes bigger, the utilization of RAM is more.
• Since the auto-increment feature is missing in Realm, you can’t incorporate those values.
• There are few restrictions on Model classes. Hence, practices like hashcode and equals cannot be invalidated in classes of the Realm Model.

Who uses Realm?

• Patreon
• N26
• Peek Stack

2.   SQLite

SQLite is a software library that uses a serverless and zero-configuration transactional database engine that is written in C language. This self-contained library is an ideal React Native database since it provides huge storage for mobile applications.

SQLite is becoming quite popular and desirable since the entire data storage is done on devices. This factor permits the software developers to diverge from the client-server architecture. SQLite is even useful for offline apps since varied platforms are supporting it, which makes app installation easy.

Since all the SQL-based policies are followed by SQLite, it’s amenable to atomicity and isolation. This small, quick, and reliable database engine can be easily integrated with mobile apps.

The best part of the SQLite database is its plugin termed react-native-SQLite-storage which can be used for Android as well as iOS platforms.

This React Native database writes content directly into files rather than the server. The content is stored in plain text and can be encrypted with an SQLite extension named SEE (SQLite Encryption Extension) or SQLiteCrypt etc. for app security.

Features:

• SQLite is a classic serverless database engine.
• It’s a zero-configuration database since no setup is required for the same.
• This is a self-contained platform since it’s free from all external discrepancies.
• The source code of SQLite is completely readable as well as accessible to programmers and developers.
• SQLite database is stored in a single cross-platform disk file.

Advantages:

• Since the SQLite database is lightweight, it becomes easy to utilize it as an implanted software on varied devices.
• Its portability across 32-bit and 64-bit OS is noteworthy. Varied processes can be joined with the application file and can function without interference.
• It’s a simple database and quite easy to use, thus making it an ideal choice for your React Native local.
• The read/write operations can be carried out quickly by this database. During the download process, it only downloads the required content rather than reading the whole data.
• SQLite came as a TCL extension and its main test suite is written in TCL. This TCL integration makes SQLite easy to use with varied programming languages.
• This database is pre-installed on Android and iOS.
• Installation is not needed for this database since downloading SQLite libraries is enough to create a smart app database.
• It’s portable, reliable and accessible. Its reach via varied third-party tools makes it more demanding.
• It’s cost-friendly since content can be accessed and modified using brief SQL queries.

Disadvantages:

• The database size limitation of up to 2GB in most cases is a con.
• SQLite does not support multi-client concurrency access.
• SQLite usually handles less/medium traffic nicely, so it may not work precisely in case of heavy traffic (HTTP requests).

Who uses SQLite?

• Alibaba Travels
• Accenture
• NetSuite Inc

3.   Firebase

Firebase is a Backend-as-a-service (BaaS) and a well-known database which is owned by Google. This database is deprived of NoSQL and is ideal for offline data change and synchronization. This is a React Native backend database with awesome technology and can handle the MVX requirements for mobile applications.

Web developers who use this React Native database can save time and effort in setting up a private server for securing data. Firebase is also beneficial for banks and other financial institutions due to its compatibility with SOX regulations.

Features of Firebase:

• The Firebase database has an awesome file storage capacity.
• This database comes with an ML (Machine Learning) kit which has varied features like face recognition, language translator, etc.
• A vital feature is a serverless framework of cloud functions that permits you to automatically run backend codes in response to HTTPS requests.
• With magnificent built-in analytics, Firebase can go for unlimited reporting up to 500 distinct events ( each with 25 attributes).
• Targeting the audience by segmenting them based on mobile application data is available in Firebase.
• Firebase hosting is scalable beyond 200K connections since it permits you to create 2 or more databases with 100K each.

Advantages:

• The Firebase real-time database permits you to create combined applications by allowing entry into the secured database from the client-side code.
•  Rapid prototyping with Firebase is an added advantage.
• Firebase provides excellent security by authenticating users. This database permits developers to write security rules for restricting users to read/modifying data. These server-side rules help in keeping the database safe.
• Simple and easy setup and awesome documentation are some more benefits.

Disadvantages:

• Restricted support for iOS features is a major drawback.
• Pattern-matching security rules and other conditions are some more restrictions of this database.
• This database does not support countries that don’t have Google.
• Limited data migration and querying capabilities may turn developers to choose other React Native databases.
• The pricing of this database is unpredictable and it varies depending on the usage.

Who uses Firebase?

• Halfbrick
• Wishlist
• Alibaba

4.   PouchDB

PouchDB is an open-source JavaScript database that works for online as well as offline apps. In the offline mode, it enables the apps to store data locally, and it syncs with CouchDB and servers when the application mode is changed to online, thus syncing user data at all times.

Since the JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) format of JavaScript is used in this database, software developers find it easy to create, update, write or delete objects with JavaScript API.

Robust mechanisms, single-call API access for developers, and awesome compatibility with server-side databases like MySQL, MongoDB, etc. make this database an ideal choice. 

Pocket DB has a helpful replication feature, which empowers information to match up with different clients without any data loss. Furthermore, PouchDB is remarkable with regard to security. Also, it’s not storing your password. However, it encrypts communication through RapidSSL Certificate. With such a protected local database react native, you can have confidence that your application will be protected.

Features:

• PouchDB offers good concurrency with multiple executions happening at the same time.
• As stated above, data synchronization in both (online/offline) modes is possible.
• Developers having a fair idea about programming languages find PouchDB easy to understand and learn.
• Apart from being open-source, PouchDB is also an in-browser database API scripted in JavaScript.

Advantages:

• This JavaScript database can easily synchronize data with all supported servers.
• PouchDB offers robust encryption security since it supports SSL security. With this digital security certificate, developers can encrypt data coherently with 256-bit encryption protocols.
• This database works like a professional when it comes to data replication.
• This React Native database supports both online and offline capacities as stated above.

Disadvantages:

None

Who uses PouchDB?

• Newt
• SOLID engineer
• Cloudwall

5.   WatermelonDB

WatermelonDB is a new and optimized way that helps create complex apps in React Native and React Web. With the motto to deliver world-class performance by quick app launch, WatermelonDB also permits offline data syncing just like other databases.

This open-source React Native database is built over SQLite and offers ultimate performance to the React Native local database. Coming with an ability to scale ample records in a minute without compromising on speed, this React Native database can deal with multithreaded and highly cached async operations.  

Another best feature of this database is that it can resolve queries instantly since it functions only on request. Any modifications in the database can be instantly delivered on user interfaces.

Features:

• WatermelonDB is known for its speed and hence applications are loaded instantly irrespective of the data size.
• This React Native database is extremely scalable and can accommodate hundreds and thousands of data records.
• It’s lazy and hence loads data persistently only when requested.
• It has a reactive and asynchronous database framework.
• It’s multi platform since it supports Android, web, and iOS systems.

Advantages:

• Since this database supports static typing, developers can use TypeScript for delivering their best performance.
• This React Native database can easily plugin data into components.
• It’s a relational database that uses SQL to make your React Native apps scalable.
• This database offers offline synchronization by syncing engines.
• When any modifications are made in the database, it’s pivotal that the UI (user interface) gets rendered automatically. In WatermelonDB, the UI is automatically re-rendered when any changes are created in the database.

Disadvantages:

•  Users need to create their backend for data syncing.

Who uses WatermelonDB?

Few StackShare developers use this database.

6.   Vasern

Vasern is a fast, light-weight, and open-source React Native database, having a C++ library that permits developers to set up database apps quickly.

Its main focus is based on consistency and performance. Built with thin layers and zero dependencies, this database offers simple APIs. This permits developers to develop database apps quickly.  

Features:

•  Its data engine is built natively to attain native performance.
•  It has a non-SPDX license.

Advantages:

• It operates quickly.
• It has a developer-friendly end-to-end database synchronization.
• Vasern is an open-source and lightweight database.
• App performance and consistency are its main area of focus.
• Vasern supports basic data types like string, DateTime, double, etc.
• Vasern provides support to languages using UTF-8 coding.
• This React Native database is designed for local storage as well as cloud storage.

Disadvantages:

• Vasern releases are unavailable. To install it, you need to create it from the source code.

Who uses Vasern?

• Facebook
• Airbnb
• Discord

7.   AWS DynamoDB Database

AWS DynamoDB Database is a completely functional, serverless, and fully-managed NoSQL database service. This React Native database runs on Amazon’s AWS Cloud and is completely decentralized. Not only is it budget-friendly, but has horizontal scaling too. This database is designed to run complex apps on a wide scale.

Features:

•  Data is imported from Amazon S3 into a DynamoDB table without the help of codes.
• This database uses PartiQL which is a query language having SQL compatibility. This query language is used to insert, update and delete table data in DynamoDB.
•  DynamoDB tables are restored quickly.

Advantages:

• The set-up process as well as the functions of the AWS Dynamo database are simple and easy to use.
• It’s cost-effective and provides strong security by using secured encryption methods for user authentication and the prevention of unauthorized intrusions.
• DynamoDB gives top-notch performance and scalability.
• It’s ideal for the gaming sector.
• It supports all sizes of tables having horizontal scaling.
• The best benefit of this React Native database is the automated global replication with global tables. All your globally distributed apps can access data from all regions.

Disadvantages:

• This database is Deployable only on AWS and cannot be installed on individual desktops/servers.
• Limited querying data is a con of this React Native database.
• This database doesn’t permit “join” queries.
• No server-side scripts are available in this database.

Who uses AWS DynamoDB?

• Samsung
• Dropbox
• Netflix

Wrapping Up

There are varied restrictions faced by developers during the database selection phase. This guide has highlighted all the pivotal React Native local databases for creating smart apps.

Before plunging into the pool of selecting the React Native app databases, it’s advisable to swim through their features, pros, and cons.

Hope, this guide helps you in deciding the ideal React Native database local for your application and in smoothening your app journey.

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• Learn more about JavaScript on Gitconnected.