What is RethinkDB?

RethinkDB is an open-source database that stores data in a way that lets you get real-time updates whenever the data changes. It’s designed to be easy to use with modern web applications that need live, interactive features.

Let's break it down

  • Open-source: Free for anyone to use, modify, and share.
  • Database: A system that saves and organizes information so programs can retrieve it later.
  • Stores data in a way: Uses a document-oriented format (JSON) that is flexible and human-readable.
  • Real-time updates: Instead of asking the database repeatedly for new data, the database pushes changes to you as soon as they happen.
  • Modern web applications: Websites or apps built with current technologies (like JavaScript frameworks) that often need live feeds, chats, dashboards, etc.

Why does it matter?

Because it removes the need for complex work-arounds to keep a user’s view up-to-date, developers can build faster, more responsive apps with less code. This leads to smoother user experiences and lower server load.

Where is it used?

  • Live dashboards that show sensor or financial data as it arrives.
  • Collaborative editing tools (e.g., shared documents or whiteboards) where multiple users see each other’s changes instantly.
  • Real-time chat or messaging platforms that need to deliver new messages without delay.
  • Multiplayer online games that require immediate state synchronization between players.

Good things about it

  • Built-in changefeeds give real-time push notifications out of the box.
  • Simple query language that works with JSON, making it easy for JavaScript developers.
  • Horizontal scaling: you can add more servers to handle larger loads.
  • Strong community and plenty of tutorials for beginners.

Not-so-good things

  • The project’s official development slowed after the original company shut down, so long-term support can be uncertain.
  • Fewer third-party tools and integrations compared to more popular databases like PostgreSQL or MongoDB.
  • Requires careful indexing to keep performance high; otherwise queries can become slow.
  • Not ideal for heavy analytical workloads or complex transactions.