Chapter 31
Parsing CSV and Preloading a SQLite Database Using Core Data

When working with Core Data, you may have asked these two questions:

• How can you preload existing data into the SQLite database?
• How can you use an existing SQLite database in my Xcode project?

I recently met a friend who is now working on a dictionary app for a particular industry. He got the same questions. He knows how to save data into the database and retrieve them back from the Core Data store. The real question is: how could he preload the existing dictionary data into the database?

I believe some of you may have the same question. This is why I devote a full chapter to talk about data preloading in Core Data. I will answer the above questions and show you how to preload your app with existing data.

So how can you preload existing data into the built-in SQLite database of your app? In general, you bundle a data file (in CSV or JSON format or whatever format you like). When the user launches the app for the very first time, it preloads the data from the data file and puts them into the database. At the time when the app is fully launched, it will be able to use the database, which has been pre-filled with data. The data file can be either bundled in the app or hosted on a cloud server. By storing the file in the cloud or other external sources, this would allow you to update the data easily, without rebuilding the app. I will walk you through both approaches by building a simple demo app.

Once you understand how data preloading works, I will show you how to use an existing SQLite database (again pre-filled with data) in your app.

Note that I assume you have a basic understanding of Core Data. You should know how to insert and retrieve data through Core Data. If you have no ideas about these operations, you can refer to the Beginning iOS Programming with Swift book.

To continue reading and access the full version of the book, please get the full copy here. You will also be able to access the full source code of the project.