JavaScript Data Storage Libraries Comparison
jsonfile vs localforage vs lowdb vs pouchdb vs nedb
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What's JavaScript Data Storage Libraries?

These libraries provide various methods for data storage in JavaScript applications, each with its unique features and use cases. They cater to different needs, from simple file-based storage to more complex, offline-first databases. Understanding their functionalities helps developers choose the right tool for managing application data efficiently, whether in a Node.js environment or in the browser.

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jsonfile47,422,2281,205-54 years agoMIT
localforage3,346,36625,032-2463 years agoApache-2.0
lowdb629,24121,64422.9 kB10a year agoMIT
pouchdb34,64416,9875.53 MB1576 months agoApache-2.0
nedb22,69013,520-2099 years agoSEE LICENSE IN LICENSE
Feature Comparison: jsonfile vs localforage vs lowdb vs pouchdb vs nedb

Storage Type

  • jsonfile:

    jsonfile stores data in JSON format directly to the file system, making it simple and straightforward for small datasets.

  • localforage:

    localforage abstracts storage across various backends like IndexedDB, WebSQL, and localStorage, allowing for more flexibility and browser compatibility.

  • lowdb:

    lowdb uses a JSON file as its database, providing a lightweight and easy-to-use solution for simple data storage needs.

  • pouchdb:

    pouchdb stores data in a structured format that allows for complex querying and syncing with CouchDB, making it suitable for offline-first applications.

  • nedb:

    nedb stores data in a single file, using a binary format for efficient storage and retrieval while providing indexing for faster queries.

API Design

  • jsonfile:

    jsonfile has a minimalistic API focused on reading and writing JSON files, making it easy to use for basic file operations.

  • localforage:

    localforage offers a promise-based API that simplifies asynchronous data storage operations, making it accessible for modern web applications.

  • lowdb:

    lowdb provides a simple and intuitive API for CRUD operations, allowing developers to easily manipulate data stored in JSON format.

  • pouchdb:

    pouchdb features a rich API that supports complex queries, data syncing, and event handling, catering to more advanced use cases.

  • nedb:

    nedb mimics the MongoDB API, providing a familiar interface for developers who are accustomed to MongoDB, making it easy to learn and use.

Performance

  • jsonfile:

    jsonfile is efficient for small data sizes but may not perform well with large datasets due to file I/O limitations.

  • localforage:

    localforage is optimized for speed and can handle larger datasets efficiently by leveraging browser storage capabilities.

  • lowdb:

    lowdb is suitable for small to medium datasets but may experience performance issues with large data due to its reliance on file I/O.

  • pouchdb:

    pouchdb is designed for performance with large datasets, offering efficient data syncing and querying capabilities.

  • nedb:

    nedb performs well with small to medium datasets and includes indexing to speed up queries, but may slow down with very large datasets.

Use Cases

  • jsonfile:

    jsonfile is ideal for small applications, configuration storage, or scripts that require simple data persistence without a database.

  • localforage:

    localforage is perfect for web applications that need to store user data offline or cache data for improved performance.

  • lowdb:

    lowdb is great for prototyping, small applications, or when you need a quick and easy JSON-based database solution.

  • pouchdb:

    pouchdb is best for applications that require offline capabilities and synchronization with remote databases, especially in mobile or progressive web apps.

  • nedb:

    nedb is suitable for desktop applications or small server-side applications where a lightweight database is needed without the complexity of a full database system.

Data Synchronization

  • jsonfile:

    jsonfile does not support data synchronization; it is a static file-based storage solution.

  • localforage:

    localforage does not provide built-in synchronization but can be used in conjunction with other libraries to manage data syncing.

  • lowdb:

    lowdb does not include synchronization features, focusing instead on local data management.

  • pouchdb:

    pouchdb excels in data synchronization, allowing seamless syncing between local databases and CouchDB, making it ideal for offline-first applications.

  • nedb:

    nedb does not support synchronization out of the box, but it can be integrated with other tools for that purpose.

How to Choose: jsonfile vs localforage vs lowdb vs pouchdb vs nedb
  • jsonfile:

    Choose jsonfile if you need a simple way to read and write JSON files in a Node.js environment. It's ideal for lightweight applications where you want to store configuration or small datasets without the overhead of a database.

  • localforage:

    Select localforage when you require a simple, asynchronous storage solution that works across different browsers. It provides a consistent API for storing data in IndexedDB, WebSQL, or localStorage, making it suitable for web applications that need to store data offline.

  • lowdb:

    Opt for lowdb if you want a lightweight JSON database for small projects or prototyping. It allows you to use a simple file as a database and provides a straightforward API for querying and manipulating data, making it perfect for small applications or quick setups.

  • pouchdb:

    Select pouchdb when you need a powerful, offline-first database that syncs with CouchDB. It's great for applications that require data synchronization across devices and offline capabilities, making it suitable for complex web applications.

  • nedb:

    Choose nedb if you need a lightweight embedded database for Node.js applications. It offers a MongoDB-like API and is suitable for applications that require a simple, file-based database with indexing capabilities, making it ideal for small to medium-sized projects.

Similar Npm Packages to jsonfile

jsonfile is a simple and efficient Node.js library for reading and writing JSON files. It provides a straightforward API that allows developers to easily manage JSON data stored in files, making it a popular choice for applications that require persistent storage of configuration or data in JSON format. While jsonfile is a great option for handling JSON files, there are several alternatives that offer similar or extended functionalities. Here are a few alternatives:

  • fs-extra is an extension of the built-in Node.js fs module, providing additional methods for file manipulation. It includes all the methods of the fs module and adds more powerful features, such as recursive directory creation and file copying. While fs-extra is not solely focused on JSON file handling, it offers a comprehensive solution for file operations, making it a versatile choice for developers who need to work with various file types, including JSON.
  • lowdb is a small local JSON database powered by Lodash. It allows developers to create a simple and flexible database using JSON files, making it ideal for small projects or applications that require lightweight data storage. lowdb provides a straightforward API for CRUD operations and can be a great alternative if you need more than just reading and writing JSON files, as it allows you to manage structured data easily.
  • write-json-file is a focused library for writing JSON files. It provides a simple API to write JSON data to a file, with options for formatting and ensuring that the file is written safely. While it is not as feature-rich as some of the other alternatives, it is a great choice if you only need to write JSON files without the additional overhead of reading or manipulating them.

To see how jsonfile compares with fs-extra, lowdb, and write-json-file, check out the comparison: Comparing fs-extra vs jsonfile vs lowdb vs write-json-file.

Similar Npm Packages to localforage

localforage is a powerful library that provides a simple API for storing data in the browser using asynchronous storage. It abstracts the complexities of different storage mechanisms, such as IndexedDB, WebSQL, and localStorage, allowing developers to store data in a more flexible and efficient manner. With localforage, you can easily store and retrieve data without worrying about the underlying implementation, making it a popular choice for web applications that require offline capabilities and persistent storage.

While localforage is a robust solution for client-side storage, there are alternatives that offer similar functionalities. Here are a couple of noteworthy options:

  • dexie is a wrapper library for IndexedDB that provides a more developer-friendly API. It simplifies the process of working with IndexedDB by offering a promise-based interface and powerful querying capabilities. Dexie allows you to define your database schema and provides features like transactions, versioning, and advanced queries, making it an excellent choice for applications that require complex data storage and retrieval operations. If you are looking for a more structured way to interact with IndexedDB, dexie is a strong alternative to localforage.

  • idb-keyval is a minimalistic library that simplifies the use of IndexedDB by providing a simple key-value store. It is built on top of the native IndexedDB API and offers a straightforward API for storing and retrieving data. idb-keyval is particularly useful for projects that require a lightweight solution for key-value storage without the overhead of a more complex library. If your application needs basic data storage capabilities with minimal setup, idb-keyval is a great option.

To see how localforage compares with dexie and idb-keyval, check out the comparison: Comparing dexie vs idb-keyval vs localforage.

Similar Npm Packages to lowdb

lowdb is a small local JSON database for Node.js and the browser. It is designed to be simple and easy to use, allowing developers to create a lightweight database without the overhead of a full-fledged database system. With lowdb, you can read and write data in JSON format, making it a great choice for applications that require a quick and straightforward way to manage data without complicated setup or configuration.

While lowdb is a solid option for local data storage, there are several alternatives that may better suit specific use cases:

  • jsonfile is a simple library for reading and writing JSON files in Node.js. It provides a straightforward API to handle JSON file operations, making it easy to manage data in a file-based format. If your application primarily needs to read from and write to JSON files without the need for a full database, jsonfile can be a suitable choice.
  • localforage is a library that provides a simple API for storing data in the browser. It abstracts the storage mechanism and allows developers to use a consistent API for various storage backends, including IndexedDB, WebSQL, and localStorage. If you need to store data in the browser and want to take advantage of asynchronous storage capabilities, localforage is an excellent option.
  • nedb is a lightweight embedded database for Node.js that is similar to MongoDB. It provides a simple API for CRUD operations and supports querying and indexing. If you require more advanced database features such as indexing and querying while still keeping a lightweight footprint, nedb is a great alternative to lowdb.
  • pouchdb is an open-source JavaScript database that syncs with CouchDB. It is designed for building applications that require offline capabilities and data synchronization. If your application needs to work offline and sync data with a remote database, pouchdb is a powerful choice that offers robust features for data management.

For a comprehensive comparison of these packages, check out the following link: Comparing jsonfile vs localforage vs lowdb vs nedb vs pouchdb.

README for jsonfile

Node.js - jsonfile

Easily read/write JSON files in Node.js. Note: this module cannot be used in the browser.

npm Package build status windows Build status

Standard JavaScript

Why?

Writing JSON.stringify() and then fs.writeFile() and JSON.parse() with fs.readFile() enclosed in try/catch blocks became annoying.

Installation

npm install --save jsonfile

API

readFile(filename, [options], callback)

options (object, default undefined): Pass in any fs.readFile options or set reviver for a JSON reviver.

  • throws (boolean, default: true). If JSON.parse throws an error, pass this error to the callback. If false, returns null for the object.
const jsonfile = require('jsonfile')
const file = '/tmp/data.json'
jsonfile.readFile(file, function (err, obj) {
  if (err) console.error(err)
  console.dir(obj)
})

You can also use this method with promises. The readFile method will return a promise if you do not pass a callback function.

const jsonfile = require('jsonfile')
const file = '/tmp/data.json'
jsonfile.readFile(file)
  .then(obj => console.dir(obj))
  .catch(error => console.error(error))

readFileSync(filename, [options])

options (object, default undefined): Pass in any fs.readFileSync options or set reviver for a JSON reviver.

  • throws (boolean, default: true). If an error is encountered reading or parsing the file, throw the error. If false, returns null for the object.
const jsonfile = require('jsonfile')
const file = '/tmp/data.json'

console.dir(jsonfile.readFileSync(file))

writeFile(filename, obj, [options], callback)

options: Pass in any fs.writeFile options or set replacer for a JSON replacer. Can also pass in spaces, or override EOL string or set finalEOL flag as false to not save the file with EOL at the end.

const jsonfile = require('jsonfile')

const file = '/tmp/data.json'
const obj = { name: 'JP' }

jsonfile.writeFile(file, obj, function (err) {
  if (err) console.error(err)
})

Or use with promises as follows:

const jsonfile = require('jsonfile')

const file = '/tmp/data.json'
const obj = { name: 'JP' }

jsonfile.writeFile(file, obj)
  .then(res => {
    console.log('Write complete')
  })
  .catch(error => console.error(error))

formatting with spaces:

const jsonfile = require('jsonfile')

const file = '/tmp/data.json'
const obj = { name: 'JP' }

jsonfile.writeFile(file, obj, { spaces: 2 }, function (err) {
  if (err) console.error(err)
})

overriding EOL:

const jsonfile = require('jsonfile')

const file = '/tmp/data.json'
const obj = { name: 'JP' }

jsonfile.writeFile(file, obj, { spaces: 2, EOL: '\r\n' }, function (err) {
  if (err) console.error(err)
})

disabling the EOL at the end of file:

const jsonfile = require('jsonfile')

const file = '/tmp/data.json'
const obj = { name: 'JP' }

jsonfile.writeFile(file, obj, { spaces: 2, finalEOL: false }, function (err) {
  if (err) console.log(err)
})

appending to an existing JSON file:

You can use fs.writeFile option { flag: 'a' } to achieve this.

const jsonfile = require('jsonfile')

const file = '/tmp/mayAlreadyExistedData.json'
const obj = { name: 'JP' }

jsonfile.writeFile(file, obj, { flag: 'a' }, function (err) {
  if (err) console.error(err)
})

writeFileSync(filename, obj, [options])

options: Pass in any fs.writeFileSync options or set replacer for a JSON replacer. Can also pass in spaces, or override EOL string or set finalEOL flag as false to not save the file with EOL at the end.

const jsonfile = require('jsonfile')

const file = '/tmp/data.json'
const obj = { name: 'JP' }

jsonfile.writeFileSync(file, obj)

formatting with spaces:

const jsonfile = require('jsonfile')

const file = '/tmp/data.json'
const obj = { name: 'JP' }

jsonfile.writeFileSync(file, obj, { spaces: 2 })

overriding EOL:

const jsonfile = require('jsonfile')

const file = '/tmp/data.json'
const obj = { name: 'JP' }

jsonfile.writeFileSync(file, obj, { spaces: 2, EOL: '\r\n' })

disabling the EOL at the end of file:

const jsonfile = require('jsonfile')

const file = '/tmp/data.json'
const obj = { name: 'JP' }

jsonfile.writeFileSync(file, obj, { spaces: 2, finalEOL: false })

appending to an existing JSON file:

You can use fs.writeFileSync option { flag: 'a' } to achieve this.

const jsonfile = require('jsonfile')

const file = '/tmp/mayAlreadyExistedData.json'
const obj = { name: 'JP' }

jsonfile.writeFileSync(file, obj, { flag: 'a' })

License

(MIT License)

Copyright 2012-2016, JP Richardson jprichardson@gmail.com

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