In this episode, James Pearce, the creator of TinyBase, discusses the platform's custom query system, persistence, and syncing integrations. They explore the challenges of data synchronization in local-first apps and the journey of crafting TinyBase while living on a boat. James also shares insights on Facebook's impact through open-source projects and the development of a local-first GitHub client on TinyBase.
TinyBase offers flexible persistence and synchronization options for local-first apps.
TinyQL simplifies reactive querying by focusing on essential SQL functionalities.
Future plans for TinyBase include expanding schema capabilities for richer data modeling.
Deep dives
Evolution of Local First Software
Local first software development involves addressing unsolved problems in data synchronization and state management. The podcast episode featuring James Pierce explores the challenges beyond solving synchronization, highlighting the complexities in managing the state of data based on user interactions and document sharing statuses.
Journey to TinyBase Development
James Pierce's journey from a career at Facebook to life on a boat led to the creation of TinyBase, a reactive data store library for local first apps. The development process involved the need for a robust state management system to support a larger application idea, which eventually shaped into the concept and implementation of TinyBase.
Flexibility in Persistence and Synchronization
TinyBase offers a flexible approach to persistence and synchronization by supporting various options such as JSON serialization, IndexDB, SQLite databases, CRDT technologies like YJS and AutoMerge, along with integration with platforms like PowerSync and ElectricSQL. James Pierce aims to provide developers with multiple flexible choices while ensuring scalability and reactivity in data handling.
Development of TinyQL DSL for Reactive Query System
The speaker developed TinyQL, a Domain Specific Language (DSL) as an alternative to a full SQL parser to create a reactive query system. TinyQL focuses on essential SQL functionalities like joining tables, filtering data, and grouping, while restricting complex operations like Cartesian joins to prevent potential issues.
Challenges in Schema Evolution for TinyBase
TinyBase initially lacked a predefined schema structure, allowing flexibility but raising concerns for data integrity. The addition of optional basic schema support allows defining data types and constraints, yet remains limited to strings, numbers, and booleans. Future plans involve expanding schema capabilities to include arrays and objects for richer data modeling.
The guest of this episode is James Pearce, the author of Tinybase, a reactive data store library for local-first apps. This conversation will explore how Tinybase works including its custom query system, the various persistence and syncing integrations as well as James’ plans for the future.