axiom-core-data

Core Data

Overview

Core principle: Core Data is a mature object graph and persistence framework. Use it when needing features SwiftData doesn't support, or when targeting older iOS versions.

When to use Core Data vs SwiftData:

• SwiftData (iOS 17+) — New apps, simpler API, Swift-native
• Core Data — iOS 16 and earlier, advanced features, existing codebases

Quick Decision Tree

Which persistence framework?

├─ Targeting iOS 17+ only?
│  ├─ Simple data model? → SwiftData (recommended)
│  ├─ Need public CloudKit database? → Core Data (SwiftData is private-only)
│  ├─ Need custom migration logic? → Core Data (more control)
│  └─ Existing Core Data app? → Keep Core Data or migrate gradually
│
├─ Targeting iOS 16 or earlier?
│  └─ Core Data (SwiftData unavailable)
│
└─ Need both? → Use Core Data with SwiftData wrapper (advanced)

Red Flags

If ANY of these appear, STOP:

• ❌ "Access managed objects on any thread" — Thread-confinement violation
• ❌ "Skip migration testing on real device" — Simulator hides schema issues
• ❌ "Use a singleton context everywhere" — Leads to concurrency crashes
• ❌ "Force lightweight migration always" — Complex changes need mapping models
• ❌ "Fetch in view body" — Use @FetchRequest or observe in view model

Core Data Stack Setup

Modern Stack (iOS 10+)

import CoreData

class CoreDataStack {
    static let shared = CoreDataStack()

    lazy var persistentContainer: NSPersistentContainer = {
        let container = NSPersistentContainer(name: "Model")

        // Configure for CloudKit if needed
        // container.persistentStoreDescriptions.first?.cloudKitContainerOptions =
        //     NSPersistentCloudKitContainerOptions(containerIdentifier: "iCloud.com.app")

        container.loadPersistentStores { description, error in
            if let error = error {
                // Handle appropriately for production
                fatalError("Failed to load store: \(error)")
            }
        }

        // Enable automatic merging
        container.viewContext.automaticallyMergesChangesFromParent = true
        container.viewContext.mergePolicy = NSMergeByPropertyObjectTrumpMergePolicy

        return container
    }()

    var viewContext: NSManagedObjectContext {
        persistentContainer.viewContext
    }

    func newBackgroundContext() -> NSManagedObjectContext {
        persistentContainer.newBackgroundContext()
    }
}