Updating Complex Nested Embedded Objects in Realm

[SMhdAsadi]

Problem Description

I'm working with a complex nested structure in Realm using embedded objects. I'm struggling to find an efficient and clean way to update this structure with new data from a JavaScript object.

Current Schema Structure

UserDbModel (regular Realm object)
└── bio: UserBioEmbeddedDbModel
    ├── text: string
    └── extraData: UserBioExtraDataEmbeddedDbModel
        ├── hashtags: BioHashtagEmbeddedDbModel[]
        └── mentions: BioMentionEmbeddedDbModel[]

Where UserDbModel is a class for a regular Realm schema, and the others are classes for embedded Realm schemas.

Goal

I want to update the bio field of UserDbModel with a new regular JavaScript object that matches this structure.

Attempted Solutions

1. Direct assignment in a write transaction:

   realm.write(() => {
     userDbModel.bio = newBioObject;
   });

2. Using realm.create() to create a new embedded object:

   realm.write(() => {
     const newBio = realm.create('UserBioEmbeddedDbModel', newBioObject);
     userDbModel.bio = newBio;
   });

Neither of these approaches work as expected.

Current Considerations

• I prefer using embedded objects because they are automatically destroyed when the parent object is destroyed, simplifying lifecycle management.
• Manually updating each field makes the code complex and hard to maintain, especially with nested structures.

Questions

1. What is the correct way to update deep nested complex embedded objects in Realm?
2. Are there any best practices or patterns for handling such updates efficiently?
3. Is there a way to use realm.create() or a similar method that works with embedded objects?
4. Are there any performance considerations I should be aware of when dealing with complex nested structures like this?

Environment

• Realm JS version: 12.10.0
• React Native version: 0.74.2

Any insights or solutions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!