How to Store Images in .NET MAUI Using SQLite Database?

Question

I am currently working on a .NET MAUI application that serves as a travel journal, allowing users to create and manage trips while associating multiple images with each trip. I have defined the following data model for this purpose:

public class ImageItem
{ 

[PrimaryKey, AutoIncrement]
public int Id { get; set; }
public string Name { get; set; } 
public byte[] ImageData { get; set; }

}

 public class Trip
{ 

[PrimaryKey, AutoIncrement]
public int Id { get; set; }
public string Titel { get; set; }
public List<ImageItem> Images { get; set; } 

}

However, I have reached a point where I'm unsure about the suitability of this data model and its potential implications on the application's future scalability. I'm hesitant to proceed without validation, as I want to ensure that the data model effectively represents my requirements and avoids complications down the line. I kindly request guidance on the following:

• The appropriateness of the current data model for a travel journal application.
• Any recommended modifications or best practices for managing image data within SQLite databases in a .NET MAUI context.
• Any insights on how to structure the data model to better suit the application's needs and avoid potential issues in the future.

I'm eager to learn and would greatly appreciate any advice, code samples, or expert recommendations you can provide.

Thank you in advance for your support.

Answer 1

Hello,

public byte[] ImageData { get; set; }

In fact, it is not recommended to store images directly in a database.

This leads to the following two problems.

• A large amount of database storage space is increased, which affects the efficiency of CURD.
• Since the stored pictures are digitized, they are difficult to retrieve.

Therefore, when storing pictures, the images are usually stored in storage, and only the index of the pictures is recorded in the database.

In MAUI, you can refer to File system helpers to save the image to the file system, and the database will record the image storage path.

Best Regards,

Alec Liu.

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