With the advent of technology, many options are available in the market as far as mobile app databases are concerned. Therefore, when developers begin a new project, choosing the correct database becomes tough. An accurate database is an integral part of app development as it helps in many things, such as adding newer features, building a brand value, and more.

Every mobile app development process has a different set of requirements and functions. So, the selection of the database should be based on its ability to store various kinds of the required information. The entrepreneurs and developers must understand that different databases have different priorities. Therefore, it is necessary to amalgamate the app requirements into the best mobile app database so that it can significantly impact its performance.

Here in this blog, we will understand the nitty-gritty of selecting the correct mobile app database to formulate the app development process. In addition, we will also see the best practices that help in streamlining the selection process.

Top 5 best databases for mobile app

There is a plethora of iOS databases and Android databases that assist in developing state-of-the-art apps. We have listed some of the best databases to help select the right one per the mobile app’s requirements.

1. MongoDB Realm:

The primary purpose of this database is to build and scale the mobile application in a syndicated and effortless manner. In addition, this database is a fully managed backend service that makes top-rated offline mobile applications. It then bridges the data and information between the cloud and Realm mobile database.

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2. Elasticsearch:

If your mobile application is subjected to a large amount of data daily, Elasticsearch must be your mobile app database. Its USP is to fetch faster results from a large bucket of inventory items without any lag in the process. Furthermore, it is profusely used as a distributed text search engine. Its quality to fetch faster results assists the mobile app in working with large datasets efficiently in real-time.

3. Neo4j:

The feature that differentiates Neo4j from the rest of the mobile app databases is its native graph database. The native graph allows the database to deliver excellent performances and maintain the data relationships. In addition, the database is helpful for skilled mobile app developers as it renders in-depth analysis for deeper context and fast resolving of queries.

4. Memcached:

It is a multi-threaded cache system that is distributed. The primary purpose of Memcached is to cache the objects, eventually lessening the load on the database. Also, with less database load, the overall processing speed of the application increases.

5. Couchbase:

Couchbase is known for lending great iOS databases to mobile apps as it is a complete stack NoSQL database. It also supports offline synchronization to the apps, query capabilities, and full CRUD. On top of that, the Couchbase mobile app database can run locally on devices.

How to Choose a Database for Your Mobile Apps?

Now that you know the most prevalent mobile app databases in the world and their advantages, it is time to see the methods that will help you choose the right one. These essential considerations would assist in understanding the mobile app development requirements and processing the selection on that basis.

1.  Storage and size of the data

Complete knowledge about the data size is an important criterion that helps in selecting the correct mobile app database. Data size relates to the amount of information the mobile app must store and retrieve. It would also include some critical information necessary for the mobile app to function in an organized way.

It is also necessary for the entrepreneurs to understand that can be stored in the app without negatively impacting its functions depending on different factors such as:

• Structure of the data
• Vendor-specific optimization
• Parting the data across different files

2.   Structure of the Data

Entrepreneurs should understand that different mobile applications are built on other app development frameworks. A strong framework will streamline the mobile app solution allowing the app to deliver better results. Therefore, it is necessary to understand what the role of data structure is and how it can be retrieved during app development.

It is necessary to have an appropriate mobile app database as if there is a mismatch, the app will face glaring hurdles in the long run. Misalignment in the database would also cause delays in the development process and make the entire process inefficient.

The data structure of the mobile app is dependent on its overall functionality. Therefore, it is necessary to align the data structure and app requirements for the application’s smooth functioning.

See More: Mobile App Development - Step by Step Guide for 2022

3.  App Database and Platform Support

With various popular platforms available, the process of app launching has no longer remained a straightforward process. The different platforms will help the app to reach the target audience and enhance the user experience in intuitive ways.

The mobile app database will also vary if the app is transcended from smartphones and reach IoT and wearables. Moreover, the entrepreneur must be sure about the nature of the app that will determine its launching platform. The app can be launched on one or multiple media, various devices, etc.

Before finalizing the app launching process, care should be taken about its future expansion. This is because if the entrepreneur has a niche audience in mind, they will concentrate on a single platform. On the other hand, if the expansion plans are significant, the scale of app launching might change.

4.  Speed and Scalability of the Mobile App Database

App scalability is by far the most crucial factor that helps in deciding the mobile app database.  Business organizations who wish to increase the capacity of their app by adding new features must take note of the scalability of the mobile app database before finalizing it.

Also, if there are constant updates in the future, the app’s database engine will have to be more efficient. In addition, whether it is an iOS database or Android, it must be able to utilize all resources and handle different processes simultaneously.

5.  Rectifying the data conflicts between devices

If the mobile application modifies similar data on various devices, there might be a situation where there can be conflicts. Therefore, before finalizing the database, make sure that it can resolve the issues with the help of a support mechanism.

The flexibility a mobile app database shows in conflict resolution must become a potent yardstick in its selection. The modern-day app databases these days are equipped with automated conflict resolving techniques. It is done essentially using an external system through the cloud or human intervention.

What are the best practices for using Databases in Mobile Applications?

Below are some of the leading best practices that will help business organizations to choose the best mobile app database for their application.

1.  Select Database That Uses MVCC Method

MVCC stands for Multiversion Currency Control (MVCC), which assists the app in simultaneously accessing threads and the processes involved without blocking them. MVCC allows the reader to read and write in parallel while the writer makes any changes. The readers would also get a view of the snapshot before any changes are made from the writer’s end.

Therefore, selecting a mobile app database that uses the MVCC method will streamline the entire app development process in the long run.

2.  Predictive Caching to Improve App’s Performance

Through Predictive Caching, the entrepreneur would get a clear idea about the patterns in which their target audience uses the app. After analyzing the user patterns, the entrepreneurs can analyze the customer segment and render them with more personalized services.

The USP of Predictive Caching is that the information is available and cached locally. Therefore, the user doesn’t have to log in to the app frequently. Moreover, with the help of MongoDB Realm, the developers can serve the users with synchronized predictive-cached data.

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3.   Use Caching Databases to Reduce Load

It is always advised to add a caching layer to prevent the recurrence of the same data. This will not only reduce the load on the server but also enhance the app’s overall functionality. Along with handling multiple requests, the extra caching layer would allow the app to work with low latency. Mobile app databases such as Memcached should be used in this scenario.

4.  Low Latency is a Crucial Factor

If you are developing a gaming or real-time app, low latency becomes a crucial factor. High latency (more than 500 ms) would distort the overall customer experience in such apps and leave a wrong lousy impression on them.

Business organizations must also understand that optimizing the latency is a continuous pro, and each database would be different. Although there are many ways to reduce the latency, replication of the mobile app database remains the most popular one. Below is the list of leading mobile app databases that have lower latency than the industry norm:

Amazon DynamoDB

• PipelineDB, SQL database for streaming applications
• PostgreSQL for transactional operations in real time
• MongoDB Realm RethinkDB built for real-time application

Final thoughts

The realm of mobile app development is a constantly evolving space. Therefore, it is necessary for the business houses to be on the top of their game while selecting a mobile app database. Along with being flexible, the database must be aligned with the mobile app requirements to get the best results.

We at Third Rock Techno have a wide range of experience in serving multiple clients have different app development requirements. Whether it is app scalability or rendering customized iOS database and Android database solutions, our skillful team can deliver stupendous results. Check out our work portfolio page to understand in-depth of our company’s process.