As smartphone users, we rely heavily on our devices to keep track of important information. From contacts to payments, our iPhones are equipped with powerful databases that allow us to store and access our information easily. As developers, we understand how essential mobile databases are for creating a seamless user experience, but the challenge lies in finding the best iOS database to fit your needs.
Whether you are looking to store sensitive data or simply track user interactions, the right database can make all the difference. Recent studies show that 85% of people use a mobile app for everyday tasks such as making calls, payments, and ordering food.
However, creating an app that offers a smooth user experience is only possible with a reliable and secure iOS database. With the right database, you can give your users the convenience they need while protecting their data. But, which are the best iOS databases? Are they different from Android? Let’s find out!
What Is a Database?
By definition, a database is a structured collection of data. More or less, everything you use has a database, from your contact list to your Zalando account. The difference between your contacts and Zalando is how these databases come into play.
When you look for someone on your phone, the database organizes your contacts to help you find the number you need. Working like an invisible hand, the database quickly finds and picks what you need to improve your experience as a user. When you use Zalando, the database not only organizes your choices and purchases but also collects any of your input.
The database is the reason why Zalando knows what you want better than you. It saves, filters, loads, searches the previous data, making the app more personal and effective. For most consumers, this process is a routine when deciding on a purchase or digital service.
Consider just one fact. Apple App Store has been around only since 2008 when it featured 500 apps. Today, Apple App Store has over 2 million iOS apps and records of 194 billion downloads – which is why underestimating iOS databases might not be a smart choice.
How to Choose a Database for Your iOS Application Development?
When it comes to iOS databases, there are different valid options you can consider. Before looking at the best ones, let’s mention three elements you should keep in mind when thinking about what you really want for your mobile app.
- Speed affects how quickly data is stored and manipulated. As soon as the database knows what your users like, more people can appreciate your app’s performance.
- The scale is closely related to speed. A scalable database needs to be effective and fast to improve the overall experience of the user.
- Size is the database’s capacity for holding data – which you expect to increase if your iOS app’s adoption rate grows in the market.
Of course, the characteristics you’ll need to consider are many and cannot really be reduced to three bullet points. But when scrolling down the options you have, these three can guide you in choosing the best one for your iOS app.
Top 3 Databases for iOS Apps
1. SQLite
Technically defined as a relational database management system (RDBMS), SQLite is the most popular database engine in the world.
Unlike a flat-file or hierarchical system, this iOS database stores data in tables. Organically integrated into the app, SQLite runs a separate service or in the background, staying very lightweight.
Why SQLite?
- Easy implementation
- No installation is needed and zero-configuration
- Highly portable and compatible with iOs and any platform from Windows to macOS to Linux to Android.
- SQLite can bind several programming languages, including C++, C#, JavaScript, Objective-C, PHP, Ruby, Java, and Python.
2. Realm
Formally MongoDB, Realm is an open-source object base management system. With this object-oriented database, developers can code relationships between objects. If SQLite uses SQL databases, Realm uses C++. New on the iOS app scene, Realm is a strong competitor specifically designed for Android and iOS, Xamarin, and React Native.
Why Realm?
- It is faster, compared to SQLite and Core Data.
- With valuable scalability, Realm can handle a large number of users and data
- For a developer, it has clear documentation facilitating the development process
- It has support network actress Twitter, Github and StackOverflow
3. Core Data
Sponsored by Apple, with Core Data you can save app data for offline use, cache temporary app data, and define data types and categories. To be precise, Data Core is a persistence framework, a type of middleware that stores data in a database – it has the capability to use SQLite as a database.
Why Core Data
- Uses Apple-specific languages like Swift and Objective-C.
- It is faster than SQLite in storing data
- The framework has built-in features that reduce the written code by 70%
- Data can be organized into binary, XML, or SQLite stores.
Which One Should You Choose?
As we said, the best iOS database is the one that works for you, always keeping in mind speed, size, and scalability. What you need now is someone with the same vision to grow your company. At the end of the day, behind any excellent iOS database, there is a great professional, not only a mobile developer. Think carefully about what you need and which database you want.
If you don’t care much about speed and scalability, going with a familiar database like SQLite might work. If you prefer more in-built features, then Core Data is the one while Real is your best option when talking about speed.
When you’re ready to begin the development process and need to hire an experienced iOS developer to help you each step of the way, rely on DistantJob. We have the right person for you!
FAQ on Best IOS Database
The fastest iOS database is Realm, an open-source object database. It is known for its speed and scalability, as well as its ability to work both online and offline. It is also easy to use and integrates with Apple’s Xcode development environment.
1. Realm 2. SQLite 3. Core Data 4. Firebase 5. Couchbase Lite 6. MongoDB Mobile 7. AWS AppSync 8. Azure Mobile Apps 9. Postgres 10. Redis
iOS databases are generally quite secure, as they are encrypted and access is restricted to only approved apps. Apple also provides additional security features like two-factor authentication and Touch ID.
