Schema Versions & Migrations - Swift SDK
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Schema Version
A schema version identifies the state of a Realm Schema at some point in time. Realm Database tracks the schema version of each realm and uses it to map the objects in each realm to the correct schema.
Schema versions are integers that you may include
in the realm configuration when you open a realm. If a client
application does not specify a version number when it opens a realm then
the realm defaults to version 0.
Migrations must update a realm to a higher schema version. Realm Database will throw an error if a client application opens a realm with a schema version that is lower than the realm's current version or if the specified schema version is the same as the realm's current version but includes different object schemas.
To learn how to change the realm version and perform a migration, see Modify an Object Schema - Swift SDK.
Migrations
A local migration is a migration for a realm that does not automatically Sync with another realm. Local migrations have access to the existing Realm Schema, version, and objects and define logic that incrementally updates the realm to its new schema version. To perform a local migration you must specify a new schema version that is higher than the current version and provide a migration function when you open the out-of-date realm.
In iOS, you can update underlying data to reflect schema changes using manual migrations. During such a manual migration, you can define new and deleted properties when they are added or removed from your schema.