Realm vs WatermelonDB: What are the differences?

Introduction:

Realm and WatermelonDB are both popular options for mobile and web developers looking to integrate a database into their applications. While they serve similar purposes, there are several key differences between the two that developers should consider. In this article, we will explore these differences in detail.

1. Database Structure: One significant difference between Realm and WatermelonDB is how each handles the database structure. Realm uses an object-based approach, where data is stored as objects with properties and relationships. On the other hand, WatermelonDB utilizes a more traditional relational database structure, storing data in tables with rows and columns. This difference in structure can impact the way data is manipulated and queried in each database system.

2. Data Synchronization: Another important difference between Realm and WatermelonDB is their data synchronization capabilities. Realm offers real-time data syncing, allowing multiple devices to access and update the same data simultaneously. On the other hand, WatermelonDB does not provide built-in real-time synchronization, requiring developers to implement their own synchronization solution if needed. This can be a crucial factor for applications that require real-time collaboration or data sharing across devices.

3. Platform Support: Realm and WatermelonDB also differ in terms of the platforms they support. Realm offers support for a wide range of platforms, including iOS, Android, macOS, watchOS, and Linux. In contrast, WatermelonDB primarily focuses on web and mobile platforms, with support for JavaScript, React Native, and Expo. This difference in platform support may influence the choice of database system depending on the target platforms of the application.

4. Query Flexibility: When it comes to querying data, Realm and WatermelonDB differ in terms of flexibility. Realm provides a powerful and expressive query language that allows developers to perform complex queries with ease. WatermelonDB, on the other hand, uses a simpler query API based on JavaScript methods for querying data. This distinction in query capabilities may be important for applications that require advanced querying and aggregation operations.

5. Backend Integration: Realm and WatermelonDB also vary in their approach to backend integration. Realm supports the integration of its database with server-side frameworks, allowing developers to build scalable and secure backend systems. WatermelonDB, on the other hand, focuses more on client-side storage and does not offer direct support for server-side integration. This difference can be crucial for applications that require server-side processing or integration with existing backend systems.

6. Community and Documentation: Lastly, Realm and WatermelonDB differ in terms of community support and documentation. Realm has a larger and more established community, with extensive documentation and resources available. WatermelonDB, being a relatively newer database, may have a smaller community and less comprehensive documentation. This may affect the availability of community-driven plugins, libraries, and support for each database system.

In summary, the key differences between Realm and WatermelonDB lie in their database structure, data synchronization capabilities, platform support, query flexibility, backend integration, and community/documentation resources. Developers should consider these differences to choose the most suitable database system for their specific application needs.