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by wim 487 days ago
Another aspect of local-first I'm exploring is trying to combine it with the ability to make the backend sync server available for local self-hosting as well.

In our case we're building a local-first multiplayer "IDE for tasks and notes" [1] where the syncing or "cloud" component adds features like real-time collaboration, permission controls and so on.

Local-first ensures the principles mentioned in the article like guaranteed access to your data and no spinners. But that's just the _data_ part. To really add longevity to software, I think it would be cool if it would also be possible to guarantee the _service_ part also remains available. In our set up we'll allow users to "eject" at any time by saving a .zip of all their data and simply downloading a single executable (like "server.exe" or "server.bin"). The idea is you can then easily switch to the self-hosting backend hosted on your computer or a server if you want (or reverse the process and go back to the cloud version).

[1] https://thymer.com/

3 comments

This looks like a great project and something that could be adapted into what I've been looking for unfruitfully (an OSS/self-hosted and cross platform version of Noteplan 3 for family use). Not expecting too much movement on your part into the crowded task management space but the screenshots and examples gave me the same feeling.

Signed up for early access and looking forward to it!

> To really add longevity to software, I think it would be cool if it would also be possible to guarantee the _service_ part also remains available. In our set up we'll allow users to "eject" at any time by saving a .zip of all their data and simply downloading a single executable (like "server.exe" or "server.bin"). The idea is you can then easily switch to the self-hosting backend hosted on your computer or a server if you want

Too few people are taking advantage of Redbean <https://redbean.dev/> and what it can do. Look into it.

If I can host the backend myself, does it imply it's not a commercial offering?
I think it's not too different from downloadable software, so it doesn't rule out commercial services (we plan on both paid and free versions).