PGlite project is a full-fledged PostgreSQL database running version 0.2 with the ability to load additional extensions like pgvector for storing data in artificial intelligence workloads. Developed by ElectricSQL, this project aims to provide data synchronization across PostgreSQL databases, allowing data syncing from server to browser. The initial interaction perceives it as a client-side library only, but it can be used for inputting data and querying immediately, even without configuring any server connections. For long-term data storage, IndexedDB in the browser can be utilized.
Previous attempts to port PostgreSQL to run in browsers have been made, such as Supabase introducing this concept since 2022, but it has not gained much popularity, partly due to the difficulty of browser usage. The approach of PGlite differs by willingly cutting out some PostgreSQL features but designing it to run effectively in browsers, with clear usage guidelines like database synchronization from server to browser for faster querying.
Currently, the project still has many bugs. For those interested in trying it out, there is a REPL interface available for immediate testing, and some users have reported its compatibility with frameworks like NextJS, allowing full-fledged web development without requiring a database.
Source: Hacker’s News
TLDR: PGlite is a PostgreSQL database project running on version 0.2, facilitating data syncing from server to browser with the flexibility of loading extensions like pgvector for AI workloads. Despite bugs, it shows promise for web development without the need for a database.
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