Among the different frameworks for developing apps, React Native is one of the most popular. React Native is preferred both by large organizations and start-ups to develop apps in a cost and time-effective manner.
React Native is a framework of choice for building offline-first applications that can run without internet connectivity.
Database Aspects for React Native App Development
Various aspects are to be considered when choosing a React Native database.
- Ease of Use
Use a database that is easier to manage and integrate for your team. That is an obvious point, but one always worth remembering.
- Data Complexity
Selecting a database that can handle complex objects is essential since data is maintained in the form of JSON structures or key values.
- Management of Memory
Memory handling is important because if the data is not maintained properly, then the apps risk crashing more, although most databases clear their cache at a certain time interval to have sufficient memory.
- Synchronization of Offline Date
Being able to synchronize data after a device connects to the internet or the internet connection is restored to full strength is more and more important as users need their apps to be able to work offline.
- Data conflicts resolution
Selecting a database with the appropriate conflict management policies and syncing management is a must, as some features may lead to data conflicts.
- Concurrency
Understanding the key concept of concurrency is important. As your app gains in popularity, it will have to deal with an increased number of requests and users. Concurrency is hence the ability of a database to allow multiple transactions by multiple users to happen at the same time.
Examples of Local Databases Used in React Native App Development
- Firebase
Firebase is a database that supports NoSQL and is owned by Google. It is best suited for apps that require data to be synchronized and updated offline. For MVC React Native apps that require a lot of data, Firebase is the best.
A combination of Firebase with a wide variety of apps can be done simply. It includes tracking tools for performance and bug detection. Other perks include ease of setup and great security, along with the possibility to prototype apps fast.
- Realm
An open-source, cross-platform used for mobile applications and websites. Realm is a high-performance database favored for large apps. The database is object-oriented and can support a wide variety of complex data types.
The database has its own search engine, and key-value stores along with object-related mapping are not required. It has a wide range of API sets and is faster than many other databases. Realm can also fix queries better in comparison to SQLite.
- SQLite
SQLite is a lightweight relational database management system that was built to offer the user the capacity to store mobile apps locally. Performance might not be as great as other databases. With SQLite, data can be saved in a cross-platform database file, and management is done in a hassle-free manner. SQLite can execute almost all SQL standards.
- Watermelon DB
This database is built on SQLite, which makes it very scalable and useful for creating difficult apps that need real-world performance. Using lazy strategies, it manages the persistence of data with slower devices.
Engine synchronization allows it to enable an offline-first system. Changes in the Ui are automatically rendered in the UI. Other characteristics include static typing with the flow and being able to plug data into components.
5. PouchDB
A lightweight open-source Javascript database that conserves data in a JSON format. It runs embedded in the web browser, thus making it extremely fast. Using a JS API allows it to enable all delete, read, update and create functions. In PouchDB, data is stored locally when the application is offline until the connection is restored. At that moment, the data is synchronized with CouchDB and servers.
Replication features facilitate the syncing of data with multiple clients while preventing data loss. Its support of SSL makes it one of the most secure, if not the most secure, for data.
Final Thoughts
The storage system that you use will depend on the type of app that you build and other constraints such as cost, security, scalability, etc. Choosing the most adapted form of storage might be a determining factor in the experience the users have with your app and its success of it!