improve Storage in React Native: Comparison Between AsyncStorage and React-Native MMKV

Have you ever wondered if you’re using the best storage method in your React Native application? You’ve probably used AsyncStorage to save data. It’s easy and does its job, but is it the best option? I discovered React-Native MMKV, an alternative that can make your app much faster and more efficient.

AsyncStorage

AsyncStorage is React Native’s native key-value storage system. It’s persistent, asynchronous, and unencrypted. Its ease of use and zero configuration have made it the default choice for many developers since the early days of React Native.

Advantages of AsyncStorage

• Simplicity: No additional configuration required; you can start using it immediately.

• Cross-Platform Compatibility: Works on both iOS and Android without code changes.

• Familiar API: If you’ve worked with localStorage on the web, you’ll feel comfortable with AsyncStorage.

Disadvantages of AsyncStorage

• Limited Performance: Read and write operations can be slow, especially with large volumes of data.

• Necessary Serialization: Data is stored as strings, requiring serialization and deserialization of objects.

• Inefficient Memory Usage: May consume more memory than necessary, affecting the app’s overall performance.

• Lack of Native Encryption: Doesn’t offer built-in options to encrypt sensitive data.

React-Native MMKV

MMKV is an efficient, high-performance key-value storage framework developed by WeChat. It uses memory mapping to speed up read and write operations, making it fast and lightweight. Its key features include:

• High Performance: Optimized for quick operations, ideal for applications with frequent data access.

• Efficient Memory Usage: Memory mapping reduces overhead and improves efficiency.

• Support for Primitive Data Types: Stores booleans, integers, and strings directly without the need for serialization.

• Integrated Encryption: Offers options to encrypt stored data, enhancing security.

Recognizing its advantages, the React Native community adapted MMKV through the React-Native MMKV library.

Advantages of React-Native MMKV

• Superior Performance: Up to 30 times faster than AsyncStorage in certain operations.

• No Need for Serialization: Handles primitive data types directly, saving time on conversions.

• Enhanced Security: Ability to encrypt sensitive data protects user information.

• Intuitive API: Easy to integrate and use in your existing project.

Disadvantages of React-Native MMKV

• Incompatibility with Expo Go: Doesn’t work with the Expo Go app; you need to compile your app natively.

• Library Size: While efficient, it adds additional weight to the application’s package.

Comparison Between AsyncStorage and React-Native MMKV

Which One Is Better?

In terms of speed and security, React-Native MMKV is much better than AsyncStorage.

StorageBenchmark compares the most popular storage libraries by reading a value from storage 1,000 times:

The above graph demonstrates that React-Native MMKV is not only better than AsyncStorage but also much better than other storage libraries.

React-Native MMKV is much more secure than AsyncStorage because it encrypts sthe information.

However, should React-Native MMKV always be the best option? The truth is, no. It always depends on the requirements and needs of each application. Implementing React-Native MMKV will involve much more development and weight, whereas AsyncStorage is much more agile for quick and simple development.

When Should You Use AsyncStorage?

• Small or Simple Projects: If your application is simple and doesn’t handle large amounts of data, AsyncStorage may be sufficient.

• Rapid Prototyping: For prototypes or quick tests where minimal configuration is key.

• Use of Expo Go: If you rely on Expo Go for development without native compilation.

When to Opt for React-Native MMKV?

• Scalable Applications: If you plan for your app to grow and handle more data over time.

• Focus on Performance: When speed and efficiency are priorities.

• Need for Security: If you handle sensitive information that requires encryption.

Conclusion

In summary, React-Native MMKV offers significant advantages in performance and security compared to AsyncStorage. However, the choice between one or the other will depend on the specific needs of your project.

If you’re working on a simple application or a prototype that requires quick development and doesn’t handle sensitive data, AsyncStorage may be the more agile option. On the other hand, if your application is complex, handles large volumes of data, or sensitive information, investing time in implementing React-Native MMKV is worthwhile.