devtools.fm: Developer Tools, Open Source, Software Development Stepan Parunashvili - InstantDB
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May 19, 2025 Stepan Parunashvili, co-creator of InstantDB and an advocate for easier programming, dives into the creation of a database designed for local-first apps. He discusses the limitations of traditional systems like Firebase and the shift towards more flexible frameworks. The conversation covers the complexities of real-time data synchronization and innovative schema designs using Datalog. Stepan also shares insights on navigating startup growth and the balancing act of rapid development with quality maintenance in high-fidelity applications.
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Origin of InstantDB
- Stepan and his co-founder started building InstantDB while creating a fitness app and realized the tool needed to exist.
- They wanted to simplify repetitive database tasks and improve productivity beyond what Firebase offered.
InstantDB's Position in Local-First Space
- InstantDB fits in the local-first space as a middle ground combining local optimizations with central data consistency.
- It aims to support collaborative, offline-capable apps like Notion or Figma by offering relations and reactive queries like Firebase.
Triple Store Data Model Benefits
- InstantDB uses a triple store data model, representing data as subject-predicate-object triples.
- This model simplifies client-side querying and partitioning, making it lightweight and scalable for user-specific databases.