With the increase in the count of mobile users, there happened a subsequent increment in mobile applications as well. From health and wellness to networking, online booking to learning tutorials; there are enough apps for everything.
The availability of plenty of applications offers numerous choice to users. When looks and user-friendly interface is one thing user adores, data memorizing capacity of the application can also make a huge difference.
Not sure?
Ok, if we have designed two apps for your company; one of it requires single-time user registration and enables sign in-easily from next time; while the other one requires the manual registration every time. Which one would you prefer?
Obviously, the first one. And, even better if it can remember your user name and password; or at least the username.
So, what you think the reason that applications have got such a sharp memory that they remember every information of every user?
Well, applications have got no brains, but we empower them with one. And, that memorizing unit for them is the database of the mobile app. When designing the app for your company, you must check for the database requirement when seeking for mobile development services.
Before opting for one, you must have a sound knowledge about the databases.
In layman’s language, the database is can be considered as the register capable of storing all the information and data of the user when registered for your mobile application.
Depending upon the utility and functioning, the databases are of 5 types:
- Relational database
- Operational database
- Data Warehouse
- Distributed database
- End-user database
Choosing the appropriate database can be a bit tricky. However, the following tactics can help you select an apt database for your mobile application:
Check the data structure:
The pattern in which you want to store the data is the key factor to distinguish between and select the database apt for your app. A proper data format can be helpful in fixing the errors more easily if any.
This helps to organize the data in a specific manner, so it can be accessed appropriately, whenever required.
Secure your data:
Keeping your user’s data safe and secure with you is equally important than managing and storing it. To overcome the unauthorized access issue, you must check for the database that enables data-level encryption on both the ends.
Irrespective of the industry and the application size, you can make your data secure by:
- Separating the database and web servers
- Encrypting the stored and backup files
- Using a web application firewall (WAF)
- Enabling security controls
- Keeping patches current
When considering the dynamic data, it can be secured with seamless interaction over TLS or SSL channel. To enable data reading, the option must be enabled for the authentic users only.
Using the flexible data model:
When seeking for the database for mobile applications, flexibility is the utmost concern. Because the apps tend to evolve frequently, you can’t let the bugs eat the utility. And, that’s why the flexibility of the data model is an utter requirement here.
Many prefer the relational database here, as it enables data consistency and rationality. However, the choice depends on several factors .
Scalability and speed of the system:
The data handling capacity of the application should not have any limits and should be scalable whenever required. And, the speed with which the system can read and write the data, makes it more efficient.
Few of the database systems are designed and optimized for read-heavy apps, whereas others are made as write-heavy solutions. While selecting the database, you must check for the scalability of the architecture of the app.
Partitions syncing based on topology involved:
When handling the database, there are certain functions you need to handle offline as well. This functioning totally depends upon the topology employed for the partition connection. If star topology is involved, you can handle the point to point connections. Likewise, mesh and tree topology also enables offline functioning as they enable peer to peer sync information options.
Though it’s never certain that which database can be apt for managing your app’s database. Considering the above tips you can select one of your choices. However, consulting with companies that offer mobile development services can also be fruitful for choosing the right database.
