Is Realm .NET still a good choice after the sync deprecation?

Yes, for local data storage without sync, Realm remains a performant option. Install version 20 or use the community branch to avoid sync features, but for new projects needing real-time sync, consider alternatives like Firebase or custom solutions.

How does Realm compare to SQLite for .NET mobile apps?

Realm offers an object-oriented API and claims higher performance than SQLite, but SQLite has a larger ecosystem and is more widely supported. Realm is better for apps wanting a modern, code-first approach without ORM complexity.

How to migrate from Realm with sync to another database?

MongoDB provides deprecation guides for data migration. Generally, export data from Realm files and import into another system like SQLite or a cloud database, then update your app's data layer code accordingly.

Can I use Realm for desktop applications on Windows or macOS?

Yes, Realm supports desktop OSes like Windows, macOS, and Linux, making it suitable for cross-platform .NET applications beyond mobile devices, as noted in the platform compatibility section.

What are the best practices for using Realm with MVVM in MAUI?

The README includes examples like QuickJournal, which demonstrates integrating Realm with MVVM and data binding in MAUI apps. Use Realm's object notifications for reactive UI updates and keep business logic separate.

Are there performance benchmarks for Realm vs Entity Framework?

Realm benchmarks often compare to SQLite, not Entity Framework directly. However, Realm's mobile-first design aims for better performance on devices, but you should test with your specific use case for accurate comparisons.

Open-Awesome

Realm

Apache-2.0C#20.1.0

A mobile-first database for .NET that replaces SQLite and ORMs with a fast, object-oriented data layer.

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1.3k stars177 forks0 contributors

What is Realm?

Realm is a mobile database for .NET that runs directly on devices like phones and tablets. It serves as a replacement for SQLite and traditional ORMs by exposing data as objects and enabling code-based queries, simplifying data persistence and synchronization for cross-platform applications.

Target Audience

.NET developers building mobile, desktop, or embedded applications for iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, or Linux who need efficient local data storage and real-time sync capabilities.

Value Proposition

Developers choose Realm for its mobile-first design, high performance compared to SQLite, intuitive object-oriented API, and seamless integration with MongoDB Atlas for real-time data synchronization across devices.

Overview

Realm is a mobile database: a replacement for SQLite & ORMs

Use Cases

Best For

Building cross-platform mobile apps with local data persistence
Replacing SQLite or ORMs in .NET applications for better performance
Developing real-time synchronized applications across multiple devices
Creating MVVM-based applications with data binding in MAUI or Avalonia
Embedded database needs in wearables or IoT devices
Simplifying data layer architecture in .NET projects

Not Ideal For

Projects requiring cloud-based real-time synchronization (due to the deprecation of Atlas Device Sync)
Server-side web applications where traditional SQL databases or ORMs are more established
Simple apps that only need basic key-value storage without object-oriented data modeling
Teams needing extensive third-party tooling or compatibility with existing SQL-based ecosystems

Pros & Cons

Pros

Mobile-First Design

Built from the ground up for phones and wearables, ensuring efficient performance on resource-constrained devices, as highlighted in the README's mobile-first architecture.

Intuitive Object Model

Exposes data as objects and allows querying by code, eliminating complex ORM layers and simplifying development, per the README's emphasis on simplicity and minimal API classes.

High Performance

Claims to be faster than raw SQLite on common operations while offering a rich feature set, making it a performant choice for data-intensive .NET apps.

Cross-Platform Compatibility

Supports all major mobile and desktop OSes like iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, and Linux, providing flexibility for .NET developers building diverse applications.

Cons

Sync Feature Deprecation

Atlas Device Sync is deprecated, meaning new projects cannot rely on Realm for real-time data synchronization, a key feature advertised in the README, limiting its utility for collaborative apps.

Build Complexity

Building from source requires Visual Studio, Xcode for iOS/macOS, and multiple steps, as outlined in the Building Realm section, which can be cumbersome compared to using pre-built NuGet packages.

Limited Long-Term Viability

With the deprecation announcement, future support and updates for sync features are uncertain, potentially affecting project maintenance and requiring migration efforts for existing sync-based apps.

Open Source Alternative To

Realm is an open-source alternative to the following products:

SQLite

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