With the increasing popularity of mobile applications and operating systems, a number of solutions have popped up in the recent past. React Native is one such solution that develops cross-platform applications for users. React Native is also popular as the perfect choice for mobile app development.
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React Native has significantly grown in popularity during the last few years as developers go for it to develop offline first apps that offer additional scalability. The React Native Database or DB is the backbone of each application made through it, which is why the database should be shortlisted with proper diligence.
In this article, we take a look at some of the top local databases for React Native app development and some of the things you should consider before finalizing the database of your choice.
Top Local Databases Used in React Native App Development
Below you can find the top local databases used by React native developers:
1. Firebase
First up on our list is Firebase. Firebase works perfectly well with the real-time version of NoSQL DB to help develop local apps on React Native. The Firebase Database is primarily selected for its offline data-altering capabilities and enhanced synchronization. The database carries the following benefits:
- Firebase ensures real-time data syncing for all clients at a given time. This is important for apps that can go offline due to a loss of internet connection.
- Developers can program applications that carry offline persistence performance.
- The database comes with a cross-platform API solution that requires minimal effort during setup.
2. Realm
The realm database was specifically developed to help assist in the development of real-time apps for smartphones and other gadgets. The database works well with React Native and functions on top of ORM or SQLite.
Realm is one of the most popular databases today and can handle large chunks of data to generate appropriate results. Real is considered handy due to the following reasons:
- Realm Sync can run in the background to record user interactions and service requests
- Leverages different encryption standards for multiple mobile platforms
- Implements offline-first architecture.
3. SQLite
SQLite was initially developed to provide local storage options for different mobile applications. The ‘Lite’ in the name means that this is a lightweight library that can be set up with minimal effort. You can also add this library to your mobile application to directly access the database of your choice.
SQLite comes with the following benefits:
- The database can be used with a React Native plugin for offline continuity.
- The database is based on ACID compliance and delivers optimal SQL standards with only a few omissions. It can handle multiple data types and comes equipped with the right tools.
4. Async Storage
Async Storage is a localized storage system that allows developers to save and store data locally while persisting with it for application reboots. Async Storage comes inbuilt with React Native, which allows you to use the platform directly with the app development solution.
- Async Storage provides the ideal solution to save data even after the application is closed by the end user.
5. PouchDB
PouchDB is one of the more popular open-source databases and is based on JavaScript. The database stores all of its data in JSON format, which is easy to comprehend. PouchDB truly extracts the benefits of React Native by reading, querying, developing, deleting, and updating queries through simple clicks. The library is compatible with MongoDB, MySQL, CouchDB, and PostgreSQL.
6. Vasern
Vasern is an excellent open-source library for app development on React Native. The API for Vasern can be used for syncing applications, storing data, and cloud management. The structure for Vasern is similar to some other open-source databases. The solution offers:
- Faster operations
- End-to-end encryption and syncing of all databases
- Faster operations
7. Watermelon DB
Watermelon Database is built on SQLite and can scale over time without losing pace or affecting the speed of the mobile app development process. Watermelon DB is made to offer integration with React Native. The solution helps you with:
- Offering an online first solution
- Allowing you to develop cross-platform applications
- Offering static typing with flow
Things to Know before you Shortlist the Appropriate React Native Database
Some of the factors you should consider before finalizing the right database for your React Native app development process include:
The Complexity of the Data
You should consider the complexity of the data you will be storing in the database. All keys and values should be optimized in strings through a React Native developer or through a library. A database should help you store data with greater complexity, easily without additional hassle.
Lines of Code
Developers shouldn’t be looking for advanced databases if they need over 20 lines of code to write a CRUD operation on the application. Advanced databases that work with app development on React Native can make the coding process even more difficult and complex.
Such databases also increase the cost of development and slow down the functions of the application. Processing multiple codes can slow down the performance of the application.
Memory Management
Your application can falter due to improper memory management by a database. Most databases today use compaction as a source of memory management. This source deletes all documents and data requirements that aren’t in use anymore. This process eventually makes sure that there is free memory available at all times.
Apart from the databases mentioned above, developers can take help from several backend tools to improve the user app experience. You can get in touch with a React Native development company today to simplify the app development process and improve it further.
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