GRDB.swift
GRDB.swift is a free Swift toolkit for storing application data in SQLite databases.
What GRDB.swift is
GRDB.swift is a free Swift toolkit for storing application data in SQLite databases. It supports SQL execution, query generation, and fetching or persisting Swift record types. Migration tools help applications change their 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 installation guidance covers Swift Package Manager, CocoaPods, or manual project integration. Stated requirements include Swift 6.1+, Xcode 16.3+, and SQLite 3.20.0+, as well as iOS 13.0+, macOS 10.15+, tvOS 13.0+, and watchOS 7.0+. Linux support is provided by contributors but is not automatically tested or officially maintained. The repository license permits use, modification, distribution, sublicensing, and sale when its copyright and permission notice are retained. The project also lists GRDBQuery for SwiftUI database access and observation and GRDBSnapshotTesting for database testing.
Good
- Free toolkit under an open-source license
- Supports SQL, queries, and Swift record types
- Database migrations support schema changes
- Observations work with Swift concurrency, Combine, or RxSwift
- SQLCipher encryption is available
Watch out
- Linux support is not officially maintained
- Carthage is unsupported
- CocoaPods cannot publish new versions currently
- Requires Swift 6.1+ and Xcode 16.3+
Who it suits
GRDB.swift is aimed at Swift developers who need SQLite storage, query and record APIs, schema migrations, or database observation. Developers targeting Linux should account for its contributor-provided, unmaintained support.
Verdict
GRDB.swift provides database storage and migration tools for Swift applications, with multiple observation integrations and SQLCipher support. Check the stated toolchain requirements and Linux maintenance limits against your project needs.
Plans and prices
From GRDB.swift's own pricing page, checked 8 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| GRDB.swift | Free | Open-source SQLite toolkit · MIT license |
The facts
Each one read from GRDB.swift's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Carthage limitation
- Carthage is listed as unsupported.checked 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.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Companion libraries
- The maker lists GRDBQuery for database access and observation from SwiftUI views and GRDBSnapshotTesting for database testing.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Concurrency
- Database pools support concurrent access and use SQLite WAL mode unless opened read-only.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Encryption
- GRDB can encrypt databases using SQLCipher, with installation instructions for Swift Package Manager and CocoaPods.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Installation
- The README documents installation through Swift Package Manager, CocoaPods, or manual project integration.checked 8 Oct 2026
- License
- The repository license grants free use, copying, modification, distribution, sublicensing, and sale subject to including its copyright and permission notice.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Maintainer
- The GitHub profile identifies Gwendal Roué as an iOS app developer and lists Paris, France.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Migrations
- Its migration tools let applications evolve database schemas as new versions ship.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Observation integrations
- Database observations can be consumed with Swift concurrency, Combine, or RxSwift.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- GRDB.swift is a toolkit for saving application data in SQLite databases.checked 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+.checked 8 Oct 2026
- SQL and records
- It provides SQL execution and query generation, plus fetching and persistence methods for Swift record types.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Support
- The project directs bug reports to GitHub issues and questions or advice requests to GitHub Discussions or the GRDB forums.checked 8 Oct 2026
Where it runs
- Linux support
- Linux support is provided by contributors and is not automatically tested or officially maintained.checked 8 Oct 2026
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