Zero (Rocicorp) vs SpacetimeDB
Zero (Rocicorp): Query-driven sync engine: clients run ZQL locally against a Postgres-backed cache for instant UIs. SpacetimeDB: In-memory relational database that runs your server logic as WASM modules and streams changes to clients.
key differences
- Licensing: Zero (Rocicorp) is open source (permissive) (Apache License 2.0); SpacetimeDB is source-available (Business Source License 1.1).
- Zero (Rocicorp) is built for larger datasets (≤ 10 TB) than SpacetimeDB (≤ 100 GB).
- Horizontal scaling is manual in Zero (Rocicorp) and none in SpacetimeDB.
- Only SpacetimeDB has secondary indexes, stored procedures, pub/sub, in-memory, runs in webassembly.
- SpacetimeDB has a serverless option; Zero (Rocicorp) does not.
choose rocicorp-zero for
- +Highly interactive SaaS web apps (issue trackers, editors, dashboards)
- +Adding instant UI updates over an existing Postgres schema
- +Replacing Replicache in existing apps
best at · Local-first, OLTP
choose spacetimedb for
- +Multiplayer and MMO game backends
- +Realtime collaborative apps
- +Chat and presence systems
best at · OLTP, Pub/Sub, Real-time analytics
Zero (Rocicorp) vs SpacetimeDB: FAQ
What is the difference between Zero (Rocicorp) and SpacetimeDB?
Zero (Rocicorp): Query-driven sync engine: clients run ZQL locally against a Postgres-backed cache for instant UIs. SpacetimeDB: In-memory relational database that runs your server logic as WASM modules and streams changes to clients. Licensing: Zero (Rocicorp) is open source (permissive) (Apache License 2.0); SpacetimeDB is source-available (Business Source License 1.1). Zero (Rocicorp) is built for larger datasets (≤ 10 TB) than SpacetimeDB (≤ 100 GB). Horizontal scaling is manual in Zero (Rocicorp) and none in SpacetimeDB.
When should I choose Zero (Rocicorp) over SpacetimeDB?
Choose Zero (Rocicorp) for highly interactive SaaS web apps (issue trackers, editors, dashboards); adding instant UI updates over an existing Postgres schema; and replacing Replicache in existing apps. Choose SpacetimeDB for multiplayer and MMO game backends; realtime collaborative apps; and chat and presence systems.
Is Zero (Rocicorp) or SpacetimeDB more popular?
SpacetimeDB ranks #105 on the WhichDB Score (27.3/100) and Zero (Rocicorp) ranks #149 (20.8/100). Popularity is not fit: check the requirements that matter for your project.
Are Zero (Rocicorp) and SpacetimeDB open source?
Yes. Zero (Rocicorp) is open source. License: Apache License 2.0. Not in the OSI sense. SpacetimeDB is source-available: you can read the code, but the license restricts some uses, typically offering it as a competing managed service. License: Business Source License 1.1.