SQLite.NET as a Local Database in Xamarin.how it works?

DotNek Software Development 7 minute(s) read

Last updated: Aug 29, 2020

It is very common for a local database for mobile apps in order to give the user online and connected experience. For this, most of the time, xamarin uses SQLite.Net as a local database engine in xamarin. Forms which supports database-driven apps. It enables users to save and load objects in common, shared code on both android and iOS platforms. This article focuses on using the SQLite as a local database in xamarin. Forms and it is working.

Why SQLite?

SQLite is the most used and preferred database software for web and mobile developers . This is because it is an open and free source, and it provides quite simple and server less set up.

What exactly is SQLite?

SQLite is a transactional, zero-configuration, public domain SQLite database software, or engine. It means SQLite is a complete mechanism available for web or app developers where they can store their data in a structured way, and along with this, they also get access to the source code as it is free and open source.

SQLite as a local database in xamarin .Forms are perfectly fit for a simple reason as it is readily available on both Android and iOS. This all means that you can use SQLite technology whenever you need to write a xamarin.Forms app.

So, with SQLite, you will have the ability to put database features or functionality to your Xamarin. Forms app to retrieve and store any type of data easily.

Storing Data

Every app developer cares about storing data, whether it's a game app or any other kind of app. That data can be user statistics or any other type of data that either your user or you will need at some point in the use of an app.

Do you know if you have decided to use xamarin. Forms route, then you will have to store your user data within your app. The solution to this problem is SQLite.

Steps Of using SQLite in a Xamarin.Forms app

- In the first step, what you do is to create a file of the SQLite database right directly in the Xamarin. Forms or if you already have a pre-created SQLite database file, then use it and insert it in your app.
- Next, you link your SQLite database file to both iOS and Android platforms specific project in Xamarin.Forms.
- Connect SQLite.Net-PCL to every project in a solution of your xamarin.Forms.
- From the app bundle, copy the database's file and put it on the writable place on the file system of your mobile device. And then open this file for writing and reading and to implement it on the Android and iOS platforms in order to do this step.
- Create a model that matches the table definitions of SQLite Database in the Xamarin shared, common code base specific project
In the last step, you will have to create an SQLite connection and DatabaseAccess class in the Xamarin common code base project to perform CRUD operations on the database. Use results to bind the list of your XAML views.