How to Choose the Best Database for React Native App ?

Do you want to enter the domain of mobile app development and require a reliable and trustworthy mode to enter the business efficiently? You might be aware that the React Native platform has managed to occupy the position as one of the top preferences for different startups and establishments regarding cost-effective and time-efficient mobile app development.

It is currently one of the most popular and well-known cross-platform mobile frameworks that are used by developers all over the world. As per Statista Reports, more than 42% of software  developers have used React Native for their mobile app development projects. 

So, given the popularity of this amazing mobile framework, there is no doubt that you will greatly benefit if you use the components of React Native to create proper applications for your business. So, this is what we are going to talk about right here. 

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Finding The Right Database for a React Native App

There is no limit to the amount of pressure a React Native developer has to go through when it comes to delivering a proper and high-performing application that can be scalable at any moment. Hence, it becomes difficult for developers to opt for the right technology stack to incorporate the correct database they need for their React Native application. 

So, to make things a bit easier for the users, we have provided a list of all the important databases that one can choose from to ensure proper React Native App Development. Of course, they might match the needs and requirements that you might have, such as scalability and offline support. But before delving into these databases, let us first see what factors one should consider when it comes to choosing the right database for their projects in the first place.

Important Factors To Consider When Choosing The Database for React Native App Development

Do you know what important factors you must consider when choosing a proper database for your React Native app? In these sections, we will discuss these factors to provide an easy understanding to the users. Consider these factors if you want to progress significantly with your app development project using React Native. 

Memory Handling 

Here is the first important factor you must consider while choosing your database. Remember one thing: if the app can’t handle the data properly, there is a high chance of crashing. This is because most databases tend to clear all the cache during certain time intervals. This ensures the availability of sufficient memory for the proper functioning of the application. This is an essential factor that you just cannot miss out on. 

Data Complexity 

Another important aspect to remember when choosing the right database is the complexity of the data. For example, it has been predicted that data can be preserved in JSON structures or key values for most applications. Hence, you need to ensure that the database you choose can efficiently manage complicated data structures, such as objects and full documents, in the first place. 

Management of Data Conflicts 

A common occurrence that we see in the app development process is data conflicts. The more cooperation-related features you add to the application, the more data conflicts there will be. Hence, you need to seek databases that can share conflict management rules on the website or repository pages. Make sure you look deep into the database documents to keep yourself aware of how they manage the conflicts and sync information best. You also have to keep an eye on the trade-offs that might be created and how they will affect the functioning of the application. 

Syncing Data Offline 

In the present scenario, the users need their applications to work offline. Therefore, the apps must work perfectly, even if their internet connectivity is slow or nil. So, you will have to make sure that you choose a database that will allow data synchronization when the users have managed to connect the app to the internet again. This factor is essential if you want to provide a good experience to the users. Furthermore, this factor will ensure your application’s proper functionality without trouble. 

Concurrency

As the application becomes more and more popular, there is no doubt that the developers’ responsibilities will also increase. So, they will have to manage huge volumes of data in that scenario. There will be an elevation in the requests of users, and that can be a challenge sometimes. Developers must ensure that the users are always provided with the right amount of data precisely and efficiently. So, how can they tackle this huge challenge with the increase in popularity of the application? Well, it is through the concurrency method of the databases which will help in tending to the increased data demands of the users. So, this is another very important factor you must consider when choosing a database for developing a React Native application. 

Ease of Use 

The last but not the least important factor is the ease of using the database. You should always make sure that you choose an option that can be combined properly with other components without any trouble. This will boost the procedure of development and can make the job a hundred times easier for the developer. 

So, there you have it, people. These are some important factors that you need to consider when looking for a proper database as a React Native Development Company. It is important to make the right choice, and these factors will make it easier for you to decide. 

Best Local Databases to Choose For React Native App Development 

Here we will feature a list of important local databases you can consider when trying to find the perfect database for your mobile application using React Native. Make sure you consider all the pros and cons before choosing. 

Realm Database 

Launched in 2004, the Realm Database is one of the most popular options developers tend to use. The creation of this database was to provide some help to developers for mobile application development. It is an open-source, object-oriented, cross-platform database that can be used for website and mobile app development. This database has two components: Realm Object Server and Realm Database. These components work properly and effectively to synchronize the data. Hence, this database has various use cases, from backend integrations to building offline apps. Not to mention that it has its very own search engine as well. 

Pros

• Extremely easy to use 
• It is a lot faster when it comes to developing an application when compared to other competitors 
• It is known to provide better app development 
• All database documents related to Realm are accurate, and hence developers will find all the answers to their queries on the website
• Object conversion is efficient, and it is offline friendly due to the presence of Redux offline
• Rich APIs and is considered best for storing data on the fly 
• Experience latency is lower, and server bills are not high 

Cons 

• With the increase of APK size, the RAM utilization increases as well 
• The values cannot be auto-incremented 
• Model classes might have restrictions 
• You will be able to access the database from the different processes at the same time

SQLite

If you are looking for a proper and grounded database that has been designed with the best features, there is no doubt that SQLite might be the right choice. It is one of the best choices for a react native app development company. It is a Relational Database Management System and can be used to solve the storage requirements of the mobile application in the best way. Furthermore, this amazing database has been described as being completely lightweight. Hence, it can be said that it requires minimal data administration, resources, and setup efforts. 

Apart from that, you will be able to write the content into multiple files, and that too in a direct way. Not to mention that you don’t have to add a server. The data will be stored in the Plain Text Format and hence can be easily encrypted using the SSE or the SQLite Encryption Extension. 

Pros 

• It is very portable and completely easy to use
• You can save a lot of data in the database file of this cross-platform framework 
• It is already installed on iOS and Android devices
• You can take advantage of TCL integration 
• The database is completely cost-effective, and you can update it using the SQL queries 
• The recovery process is also very easy in case the data gets lost 
• The database can execute all the SQL standards in the best way

Cons 

• The size limitation in SQLite is about 2GB in most cases
• The maximum size supported by the database is 140 TB
• It will not provide any support to access the concurrency of multiple clients 
• The database can only handle low-traffic HTTP requests

Firebase 

One of the most important things to remember about the Firebase Database is its complete support from Google. The database is a NoSQL one, and it can manage the different MVC-based apps from React Native that tend to demand a very high database in the first place. If you want to develop an application that demands offline data updating and proper synchronization in the best way, then you might want to look at Firebase. 

This database comes forth with a particular tool that can track its performance and be extremely helpful to the users. Developers can easily detect the application’s bugs and have proper access to remove the data using the Google server. Furthermore, this database is compatible with SOX regulations and is considered an ideal option for baking and finance. 

Pros 

• Becomes a lot easier to combine different applications with the help of this database 
• Can enable data synchronization to take place on different platforms 
• It is very easy to set up and also offers proper security features as well 
• The users are offered offline access 
• The documentation of the database is brilliant 
• The prototyping process is also very fast

Cons

• The iOS features are limitedly supported in this database 
• It will not work in different countries that don’t allow the functioning of Google
• There might be some issues with data migration 
• There are also some issues with real-time synchronization 
• You will not be able to predict the pricing since it keeps on changing 
• There will be no access to query for more than a single key at a certain period

Watermelon DB 

Another important database you can choose for React Native development is Watermelon DB. This amazing database shares some features of SQLite. This data will be able to scale millions of different records precisely without losing speed. All of that is possible within a single minute. Hence, this is one of the most important and popular databases for React Native app development. 

The database can properly handle data persistence situations, and that too on slower devices. According to the reports from Github, this is a database that has been used for developing some very demanding apps that can put the main focus on real-world performance. 

Pros 

• It can enable static typing with the proper flow 
• The process of data plugging into the components can be effectively easier 
• It can enable an offline-first system with the help of engine synchronization 
• The UI is rendered automatically after modifications are made to the database
• This database allows the app development to take place on SQL foundations

Cons 

• You might have to create your backend to sync the data in the best way 
• The security features might need some work in the case of this database 

PouchDB

This is the last option on our list, but it is not the least. PouchDB is one of the best frameworks developers can use to create a proper mobile app using React Native. It is an open-source, lightweight database that relies on Javascript. The data is stored in JSON format; hence, developers can read, update, create, and delete the functions using the JS API in the best way. 

When the app is being used offline, the data is stored locally. Hence, the data will be properly synchronized with the servers after the users establish a proper internet connection. That is one of the main reasons it is such a popular option amongst developers. In addition, PouchDB also provides replication options to properly sync the data with multiple clients without the risk of losing data. 

Pros

• Excellent Data security features offered by the database 
• It can enable data synchronization with any particular supported server 
• It is made using CouchDB protocols and hence provides online and offline capacities 
• The data replication feature is truly remarkable 
• It provides support to SSL and so developers will be able to seamlessly encrypt the data 

Cons 

• There are no cons discovered for this database

Conclusion

When choosing the right database for React Native mobile app development, you need to make sure that you consider the performance level and scalability of the database to make the right choice. There are so many important options that you can choose from. These are some of the best databases to make the development process smoother. Hence, if you are a React Native App Development Company on the lookout for a proper database, consider these important features and options before making a choice.