Syntax - Tasty Web Development Treats

739: The LoFi Movement: Building Local First Apps

Mar 6, 2024

52:10

Snipd AI

Explore the principles of local-first web development, focusing on CRDT, websockets, IndexedDB, SQLite, and more. Learn about seamless collaboration, security, privacy, and ownership in applications. Delve into the technology and software involved, with real-world examples and common questions answered. Discover the challenges and benefits of building local-first apps with a focus on data synchronization and multiplayer functionalities.

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Quick takeaways

Local first development prioritizes offline functionality and data control for users.

CRDTs, WebSockets, IndexedDB, and Service Workers drive real-time syncing and app responsiveness.

Deep dives

Local First Development Approach

Local first development, also known as lo-fi, prioritizes an offline-first approach to building applications, similar to the concept of mobile-first design. The main focus is on the application's functionality when the internet connection is lost and ensuring seamless reconnection once the internet is back up. This approach entails instant loading without spinners, real-time syncing across devices, and the option for network usage rather than making it a requirement for app function. Security, privacy by default, and retaining ownership and control over data are key principles in local first development, ensuring data encryption on devices and enabling users to export and move their data.

Introduction

2min

Exploring a Tech-Inspired Clothing Brand and Local First Development

4min

Exploring Index DB and Local-first Apps

13min

Exploring Local First Apps and Data Synchronization

19min

Advanced Technologies and Concepts in Real-time Web Development

5min

Exploring Local First App Development and Offline Habit Trackers

2min

Nostalgic Chat About Varsity Letters and High School Memories

2min

Humorous Varsity Letters and Financial Tracking App Introduction

3min

Discussion on Financial Tools and Recommendation for Monarch

3min

Join Wes and Scott as they explore LoFi (local first) web development, delving into CRDT, Websockets, IndexedDB, SQLite, and more. Discover when Local-First shines and when it’s better to steer clear in this episode packed with practical insights.

Show Notes

00:00 Welcome to Syntax!
03:18 Brought to you by Sentry.io.
04:08 What is LoFi?
localfirst.dev
05:02 The Seven Ideals for Local-first.
- 05:29 1: No Spinners.
- 06:48 2: Your work is not trapped on one device.
- 07:56 3: The network is optional.
- 08:50 4: Seamless collaboration with your colleagues.
- 09:35 Oops, we for got to read 5: The Long Now.
- 09:37 6: Security and privacy by default.
- 09:45 7: You retain ultimate ownership and control.
- Actual Budget Finance App
- Ink & Switch
13:01 Sounds great, let’s go! Not so fast, this stuff is hard.
14:07 The technology involved.
- 14:30 CRDT (Conflict-free Replicated Data Types).
- Wikipedia Definition
- James Long dotJS 2019 dotconfrences
- 17:48 How does it prioritize conflict resolutions?
- 19:36 Websockets.
- 20:17 IndexedDB + SQLite.
- 21:23 Service Workers.
22:16 The software involved.
- 22:24 Replicache.
- 24:48 YJS.
- 25:06 Electric SQL.
25:51 The most basic LoFi application.
31:26 Some bigger concepts.
32:34 Answering some common questions.
35:19 Some real-world examples of LoFi.
Habit Path by Scott Tolinski
37:18 What about Apple PWA nonsense?
38:20 This seems similar to real-time software and multiplayer.
38:47 Sounds like too much work.
Triplit Fullstack Database
Electric SQL
Evolu
40:46 Some useful links.
- Local-First Web Development
- Local-First Lo.fi YouTube
- Local-First Ink & Switch
- Local-First Reddit
- Syntax GitHub Local-First
43:30 Sick Picks + Shameless Plugs.