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Hybrid Storage Quick Start

Testing Strategy​

Test 1: localStorage Mode Works​

# Don't start MongoDB
cd ui && npm run dev

Expected:

  • ✅ Amber "Local Storage Mode" banner in sidebar
  • ✅ Can create new conversations
  • ✅ Conversations persist in browser localStorage
  • ✅ No errors in console

Test 2: MongoDB Mode Works​

# Start MongoDB first
docker run -d --name caipe-mongo -p 27017:27017 mongo:7.0

# Configure and start UI
cd ui && npm run dev

Expected:

  • ✅ No storage mode banner
  • ✅ Can create new conversations
  • ✅ Conversations visible across browser sessions
  • ✅ Console shows: "Synced X conversations from MongoDB"

Test 3: Automatic Fallback​

# Start with MongoDB
docker run -d --name caipe-mongo -p 27017:27017 mongo:7.0
cd ui && npm run dev

# Create some conversations

# Stop MongoDB mid-session
docker stop caipe-mongo

# Try to create new conversation

Expected:

  • ✅ Banner appears after ~1 minute
  • ✅ New conversations still work (localStorage)
  • ✅ No app crashes or errors
  • ✅ Console shows: "Falling back to localStorage"

Summary​

QuestionAnswer
Do I need MongoDB?No! App works great with localStorage only
Should I use MongoDB?Yes, for production. Optional for dev.
What if MongoDB fails?App automatically falls back to localStorage
Can I switch modes?Yes, anytime. Data remains accessible.
Is it complicated?No! Automatic detection, zero config needed.

Recommendation:

  • 🧪 Development: localStorage mode (fast setup)
  • 🎭 Demos: localStorage mode (no infrastructure)
  • 🚀 Production: MongoDB mode (persistent, scalable)

For more details, see the hybrid storage documentation in the UI source code.