Where do I add the database reference from Firebase on iOS?

Question

I am following instructions for installation and setup of realtime database on iOS app from this link and I am confused where to add the statement self.ref = FIRDatabase.database().reference() in my app in xcode. Which file or location?

Answer 1

Firebase 4.0 and later: Make sure you add the following to Podfile! I had the same problem as you until I added this (found on the previous page of the Firebase setup tutorial).

pod 'Firebase/Database'

If you're like me, you ignored it because you thought you already added this line in the Firebase setup tutorial, but the line added in setup is:

pod 'Firebase/Core'

After you add that, it should work. A generic view controller would look like the following:

import Firebase
import FirebaseDatabase

class GenericViewController: UITableViewController {

    var ref: DatabaseReference!

    override func viewDidLoad() {
        super.viewDidLoad()

        ref = Database.database().reference()
    }
}

This had me stuck for a while - I hope this helps! :)

Answer 2

Below is the code.

import UIKit
import Firebase
import FirebaseAuthUI


class ExampleVC: UIViewController, UINavigationControllerDelegate {

    var ref: FIRDatabaseReference!

    override func viewDidLoad() {
        super.viewDidLoad()

        //if user is signed in
        configureDatabase()
    }

    func configureDatabase() {
        //Gets a FIRDatabaseReference for the root of your Firebase Database.
        ref = FIRDatabase.database().reference()
    }

}