Web SQL Database vs LocalStorage

Developers should learn Web SQL primarily for maintaining legacy web applications that still use it, as it was widely implemented in browsers like Chrome and Safari before being deprecated meets developers should use localstorage when they need to persist non-sensitive user data like preferences, form drafts, or application state locally in the browser, particularly for progressive web apps (pwas) or offline functionality. Here's our take.

Web SQL Database

Nice Pick

Developers should learn Web SQL primarily for maintaining legacy web applications that still use it, as it was widely implemented in browsers like Chrome and Safari before being deprecated

Pros

• It's useful for understanding client-side data storage evolution and for projects requiring simple, SQL-based local storage in older environments, though modern alternatives are recommended for new development
• Related to: indexeddb, localstorage

Cons

• Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

LocalStorage

Developers should use LocalStorage when they need to persist non-sensitive user data like preferences, form drafts, or application state locally in the browser, particularly for progressive web apps (PWAs) or offline functionality

Pros

• It's ideal for scenarios requiring simple client-side storage without complex setup, such as remembering user settings, caching small datasets, or maintaining session-like state across page reloads, but should be avoided for sensitive data due to lack of encryption and XSS vulnerabilities
• Related to: session-storage, indexeddb

Cons

• Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

The Verdict

These tools serve different purposes. Web SQL Database is a database while LocalStorage is a web-api. We picked Web SQL Database based on overall popularity, but your choice depends on what you're building.

The Bottom Line

Web SQL Database wins

Based on overall popularity. Web SQL Database is more widely used, but LocalStorage excels in its own space.