Is local storage necessary?

Question

Local storage provides at least 5MB of data storage across all major web browsers, which is a heck of a lot more than the 4KB (maximum size) that you can store in a cookie. This makes local storage particularly useful if you want to cache some application data in the browser for later usage.

What is local storage good for?

localStorage is a property that allows JavaScript sites and apps to save key-value pairs in a web browser with no expiration date. This means the data stored in the browser will persist even after the browser window is closed.

What can I use instead of local storage?

IndexedDB. If neither cookies nor localStorage seem like the right fit, there is another alternative: IndexedDB, an in-browser database system. While localStorage performs all of its methods synchronously, IndexedDB calls them all asynchronously.

Is local storage reliable?

No. localStorage is accessible by any webpage, and if you have the key, you can change whatever data you want. That being said, if you can devise a way to safely encrypt the keys, it doesn't matter how you transfer the data, if you can contain the data within a closure, then the data is (somewhat) safe.

What is a disadvantage of storing files locally?

The downsides to local storage are major. Creating and maintaining a local storage system is expensive. The hardware and software can cost thousands of dollars depending on how much space you need. Upgrading can also be costly.

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