Realm is a mobile database that runs directly on iOS, macOS, tvOS, and watchOS devices as a replacement for Core Data and SQLite.
Realm solves the problem of managing persistent data on mobile devices by providing an object-oriented database that eliminates the need for an ORM layer. The approach centers on live objects that automatically propagate updates across the application, enabling reactive programming patterns. Data can be encrypted both in transit and at rest, and the database is designed to work efficiently offline by persisting data directly to disk while minimizing memory, disk space, and battery consumption.
Developers should choose Realm if they want to reduce boilerplate code through an intuitive object model and need seamless integration with SwiftUI for reactive UI updates. The tool suits projects requiring offline-first functionality and those handling sensitive data that must be encrypted. The project supports multiple installation methods including Swift Package Manager, CocoaPods, Carthage, and XCFramework imports, making it flexible for different project setups.
The project maintains active engagement with its community through Stack Overflow support and a dedicated community forum. Documentation is comprehensive and includes a quick start guide alongside detailed API references that can be generated from source. The build system is straightforward, requiring only a single command to compile from source, though building requires Xcode 15.3 or newer and an internet connection for the initial download of the core binary. The project accepts bug reports and feature requests through GitHub issues and provides clear contribution guidelines for developers interested in participating.
