Best Large Size Database for Android App
I. There are several options for storing large amounts of data in an Android app, but some of the most popular options include:
- SQLite: This is a lightweight, file-based database that is included with Android by default. It is a good choice for small to medium-sized databases and can handle large amounts of data, but performance may suffer as the database grows in size.
- Realm: This is a mobile database that is designed to handle large amounts of data and provide fast performance on mobile devices. It is a good choice for apps that need to store and query large amounts of data in real-time.
- Firebase Realtime Database: This is a cloud-based database that allows for real-time data synchronization across multiple devices. It is a good choice for apps that need to handle a large number of concurrent users and handle data in real-time.
- Room: This is an abstraction layer over SQLite that provides an easy-to-use and maintainable database solution for Android apps. Room is part of the Android Jetpack and it’s a good option for large databases as it supports database migrations and allows for easy scalability.
II. The best choice will depend on the specific requirements of your app, such as the size and complexity of the data and the need for offline support.
- SQLite: As I mentioned earlier, SQLite is a lightweight, file-based database that is included with Android by default. It is a good choice for small to medium-sized databases and can handle large amounts of data, but performance may suffer as the database grows in size.
- Room: Room, as I also mentioned earlier, is an abstraction layer over SQLite that provides an easy-to-use and maintainable database solution for Android apps. Room is part of the Android Jetpack and it’s a good option for large databases as it supports database migrations and allows for easy scalability.
- GreenDAO: This is an open-source ORM library that is designed to handle large amounts of data and provide fast performance on Android devices. It can be used to automatically generate code for data access and provides a simple API for querying the database.
- ORMLite: This is a lightweight ORM library that can be used to store large amounts of data on Android devices. It provides a simple API for data access and supports a wide range of data types.
- ObjectBox: This is a new generation of mobile databases, providing a simple, fast and reliable way to persist your data on mobile devices. It’s designed for embedded use, which means it runs directly on the device and requires minimal resources.
Is this secure to keep sensitive data like pins, passwords using build in SQLite database?
SQLite, like any other database, can be used to store sensitive information like PINs and passwords, but it’s important to ensure that the data is properly secured.
One way to secure the data stored in SQLite is by encrypting the database file. SQLite provides an extension called SQLite Encryption Extension (SEE) that allows for transparent, file-level encryption of the database. It uses a passphrase to encrypt and decrypt the database, which means that anyone who has access to the passphrase can open the database and see the data.
Another option is to use a third-party library, like SQLCipher, which provides transparent, full database encryption for SQLite. It uses advanced encryption algorithms like AES-256 and provides a secure key derivation function.
However, encrypting the database file is not enough to secure your data. It’s important to use secure communication channels between your app and the database, to use secure authentication, and to use proper access controls to limit who can access the data.
It’s also important to keep in mind that, even with encryption, if an attacker has access to the device, they may be able to extract the encryption key and decrypt the data. So, it’s always recommended to not store sensitive data like passwords and pins on device, instead use a server-side solution and store only a hash of the password on the device.
In short, SQLite can be used to store sensitive data, but it’s important to properly secure the data by encrypting the database file, using secure communication channels and access controls, and being aware of the limitations of device-level security.
SQLite Vs MySQL
SQLite is a lightweight, file-based database that is included with Android by default and it’s suitable for small to medium-sized databases. It is easy to set up and use, and it does not require a separate server or a dedicated administrator. It’s a good option for apps that need to store and query small to medium-sized amounts of data, and it’s great for offline support.
MySQL, on the other hand, is a powerful, open-source relational database management system that can handle large amounts of data and support high levels of concurrency. It’s widely used for websites and web applications, but it can also be used for mobile apps. MySQL needs a separate server and a dedicated administrator, but it provides more advanced features like stored procedures, triggers, and views. It’s a good option for apps that need to store and query large amounts of data, and it’s great for online support.