2024 Web Storage Technologies Guide

Choosing the right storage technology in web application development is crucial for performance, user experience, and data management.

Here, we explore four key web storage options: Local Storage, Session Storage, Cookies, and IndexedDB.

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Here is a downloadable Canva Document of the guide: [2024 Web Storage Technologies Guide]

Local Storage

Overview:

  • A method for persistently storing key-value pairs in a user's browser. Data remains even after the browser is closed.

Advantages:

  • Persistence: Data is not lost upon closing the browser.
  • Capacity: Offers about 5MB of storage space.
  • User-Friendly API: Simple and intuitive to use.

Disadvantages:

  • Security Risks: Vulnerable to cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks.
  • Lack of Synchronisation: Data is only stored in the user's current browser.

Use Cases:

  • Ideal for saving user preferences, game scores, or application themes.

Example Application:

  • An online shopping site storing user cart contents and browsing preferences.

Session Storage

Overview:

  • Similar to Local Storage but data is cleared when the browser window or tab is closed.

Advantages:

  • Limited Lifespan: Data is cleared when the session ends.
  • Data Leakage Prevention: Automatically clears data upon closing the page.

Disadvantages:

  • Limited Storage: Similar space as Local Storage but more restricted use.
  • Session-only Access: Data exists only during the browser session.

Use Cases:

  • Suitable for temporarily storing data like form inputs or one-time login sessions.

Example Application:

  • Online surveys or quizzes temporarily storing user responses until submission.

Cookies

Overview:

  • Small data fragments sent from a server to a user's browser, used for tracking user information.

Advantages:

  • Persistent Across Sessions: Expiry time can be set for long-term storage.
  • Server Interaction: Ideal for authentication and session tracking.

Disadvantages:

  • Size Limitation: Each Cookie is limited to about 4KB.
  • Performance Impact: Can increase data transmission load.

Use Cases:

  • User authentication, session tracking, and personalised settings.

Example Application:

  • Online banking systems maintain user login states.

IndexedDB

Overview:

  • A non-relational database in the browser for storing large amounts of structured data.

Advantages:

  • Large Storage Capacity: Suitable for storing vast amounts of data.
  • Complex Queries: Supports transactions and indexing.

Disadvantages:

  • Complexity: More complex API than Local or Session Storage.
  • Asynchronous Operations: Can increase programming complexity.

Use Cases:

  • Ideal for applications requiring storage of large data or complex queries, like offline apps.

Example Application:

  • Offline reading apps storing extensive articles and user reading progress.