PodRocket - A web development podcast from LogRocket

Put your database in the browser with Ben Holmes

12 snips
Apr 3, 2025
Ben Holmes, a product engineer at Warp and a specialist in local-first web applications, dives deep into the exciting world of browser-based databases. He discusses how running databases directly in the browser can enhance performance and reduce latency. Ben shares insights on navigating the complexities of SQLite in the browser, including authentication and security challenges. He also delves into effective synchronization methods and the future potential of local-first development, shedding light on innovative frameworks and solving data conflict issues.
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INSIGHT

Latency's Impact on Scaling

  • Latency becomes a bigger issue as web apps scale globally, especially with international users.
  • Reading data from distant servers can cause delays up to half a second, impacting UX.
ADVICE

Local-First Architecture and Tools

  • Leverage local-first architecture and tools like SQLite and WebAssembly to enhance offline capabilities.
  • Consider IndexedDB for simpler local caching, but note its distinct API.
INSIGHT

Client-Side Data and Performance

  • Moving data closer to the client improves performance by reducing server round trips.
  • This simplifies frontend development by enabling direct data manipulation without complex state management.
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