Realm vs SQLite - Which Mobile Database Management System is Better?
When it comes to selecting a mobile database management system (DBMS), there are two popular options - Realm and SQLite. Both of these database systems have their perks and drawbacks which make it hard to declare one as the ultimate winner. However, as a helpful assistant, we have compiled a list of comparisons between the two of them. So, buckle up and get ready to learn which database management system will suit your mobile app development needs.
Introduction
Realm and SQLite are mobile database systems that are used to handle and structure mobile app data. Both provide efficient memory management and perform their operations smoothly within the operating system. The primary difference between Realm and SQLite is that Realm has been specifically created for mobile devices, whereas SQLite is a general-purpose relational database system. Realm is a NoSQL database, while SQLite is a structured query language (SQL) database.
Programmatic Interface
Realm operates on an Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) model, which is an easy-to-comprehend technique for mobile app developers. While SQLite depends on SQL queries to operate, which makes it quite difficult for developers to understand and use effectively. In comparison, Realm provides a simple and intuitive interface for data access and management, making it simpler for the app developers to operate.
Performance and Speed
In a database operation, query time is one of the significant factors that define the smooth performance of mobile applications. In terms of performance, Realm operates faster than SQLite in most scenarios. SQLite uses a disk-bound approach (reading and writing to the disk), which means that it takes longer to access and control data operations. On the other hand, Realm operates on the memory that incorporates all of the data within the RAM of the device. This makes Realm comparatively faster and efficient than SQLite.
Storage Space
When it comes to space used, Realm's database occupies more space than SQLite's database. Realm is a NoSQL database, which means it stores data as objects. These objects contain more metadata than SQLite, which stores data in tables. Therefore, SQLite uses less storage space than Realm.
Conclusion
Both Realm and SQLite have their strengths and drawbacks, and choosing the right mobile DBMS depends on several factors, such as app requirements, development needs, data structure, data size, performance, and resources available. In general, if performance and ease of use are essential, then Realm appears to be the better option. However, if you are concerned about storage space, then SQLite would be the perfect pick.
We hope this post helped you gain a better understanding of the differences between these two mobile DBMSs. Make a wise choice and select the database management system according to your app development requirements. Stay tuned for more comparisons between different technologies.