Implementing Local-First Development with ElectricSQL in Elixir

James Arthur's presentation at Lambda Days 2023 focused on the concept of local-first software, where apps are designed to primarily interact with an embedded database in the client, syncing data in the background. ElectricSQL, an open-source platform for local-first development, works with Postgres and SQLite. It provides real-time, reactive multi-user sync and was built with Elixir's replication capabilities at its core. Arthur outlined the benefits of this approach, including resilience when the network or backend is down, instant user interaction due to a lack of network involvement, and its suitability for creating real-time, multi-user, and offline-supported apps. He also discussed the trade-offs, such as the need to handle business logic differently by moving it to the database rules or using other back-end as a service platforms. In demonstrating ElectricSQL, Arthur showcased active-active replication between Postgres and SQLite in a web browser environment facilitated through Elixir. The talk concluded with Arthur addressing the technical challenges in adopting local-first technologies, while explaining the potential it holds for transforming the development experience with its user-centric benefits.