- Home
- Mobile Databases
- GRDB.swift
GRDB.swift
What it is
GRDB.swift is a free Swift toolkit for saving application data in SQLite databases. It supports SQL execution, query generation, and fetching and persisting Swift record types. Its migration tools help applications evolve database schemas as new versions ship. Database pools support concurrent access and use SQLite WAL mode unless opened read-only. Applications can consume database observations through Swift concurrency, Combine or RxSwift. GRDB can encrypt databases with SQLCipher, and the project documents installation through Swift Package Manager, CocoaPods or manual integration. Stated requirements include Swift 6.1+, Xcode 16.3+, SQLite 3.20.0+, and Apple-platform minimums including iOS 13.0+ and macOS 10.15+. Linux support is provided by contributors and is not automatically tested or officially maintained. CocoaPods cannot currently publish new GRDB versions, with 6.24.1 listed as its latest available version; Carthage is unsupported. The license permits use and distribution subject to retaining its copyright and permission notice.
For and against
For
- Free toolkit for SQLite data storage
- Supports SQL, query generation and Swift record persistence
- Database migrations help evolve schemas
- Observations integrate with Swift concurrency, Combine or RxSwift
- SQLCipher encryption is supported
Against
- Linux support is not officially maintained or automatically tested
- Carthage is unsupported
- CocoaPods lists 6.24.1 as the latest available version
- Requires Swift 6.1+ and Xcode 16.3+
The verdict
GRDB.swift provides a broad set of SQLite data tools for Swift applications, with several installation paths and observation integrations. Check its stated toolchain requirements and platform caveats before choosing an integration method.
Who it suits
GRDB.swift suits Swift developers building applications that store data in SQLite, including those needing migrations, concurrency or database observations. Linux users should account for its contributor-provided, unmaintained support.
Plans and prices
GRDB.swift
Open-source SQLite toolkit · MIT license
Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
On the record
- Carthage limitation
- Carthage is listed as unsupported.raw.githubusercontent.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- CocoaPods limitation
- The README says CocoaPods cannot currently publish new GRDB versions and lists 6.24.1 as the latest version available there.raw.githubusercontent.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Companion libraries
- The maker lists GRDBQuery for database access and observation from SwiftUI views and GRDBSnapshotTesting for database testing.raw.githubusercontent.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Concurrency
- Database pools support concurrent access and use SQLite WAL mode unless opened read-only.raw.githubusercontent.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Encryption
- GRDB can encrypt databases using SQLCipher, with installation instructions for Swift Package Manager and CocoaPods.raw.githubusercontent.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Installation
- The README documents installation through Swift Package Manager, CocoaPods, or manual project integration.raw.githubusercontent.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- License
- The repository license grants free use, copying, modification, distribution, sublicensing, and sale subject to including its copyright and permission notice.github.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Linux support
- Linux support is provided by contributors and is not automatically tested or officially maintained.raw.githubusercontent.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Maintainer
- The GitHub profile identifies Gwendal Roué as an iOS app developer and lists Paris, France.github.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Migrations
- Its migration tools let applications evolve database schemas as new versions ship.raw.githubusercontent.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Observation integrations
- Database observations can be consumed with Swift concurrency, Combine, or RxSwift.raw.githubusercontent.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- GRDB.swift is a toolkit for saving application data in SQLite databases.raw.githubusercontent.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Requirements
- The stated requirements are iOS 13.0+, macOS 10.15+, tvOS 13.0+, watchOS 7.0+, SQLite 3.20.0+, Swift 6.1+, and Xcode 16.3+.raw.githubusercontent.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- SQL and records
- It provides SQL execution and query generation, plus fetching and persistence methods for Swift record types.raw.githubusercontent.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Support
- The project directs bug reports to GitHub issues and questions or advice requests to GitHub Discussions or the GRDB forums.raw.githubusercontent.com · read 8 Oct 2026
