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Introduction to GenosDB

GenosDB (GDB) is a lightweight, decentralized peer-to-peer (P2P) graph database designed for modern web applications. It runs entirely in the browser, offering real-time synchronization, powerful graph queries, and built-in security without requiring a backend server.

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What is GenosDB?

GenosDB is a browser-native graph database that combines:
  • Graph data model for storing nodes and relationships
  • Real-time P2P synchronization via WebRTC and Nostr
  • Powerful query capabilities with recursive graph traversal
  • Built-in security with RBAC and WebAuthn
  • Local-first architecture using OPFS for persistent storage
GenosDB is currently in stable beta. The API is stable but may receive minor updates as we work toward v1.0. Check the CHANGELOG for updates.

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Why Use GenosDB?

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Truly Decentralized

No backend servers required. Peers connect directly to each other via WebRTC, with data syncing automatically in real-time. Your application can work offline and sync when reconnected.

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Developer-Friendly API

Simple, intuitive methods for CRUD operations: 
const db = await gdb('my-app', { rtc: true });

// Store data
const id = await db.put({ name: 'Alice', age: 30 });

// Query with real-time updates
await db.map({ query: { age: { $gt: 18 } } }, ({ id, value, action }) => {
  console.log(`User ${action}:`, value);
});

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Graph-Native

Unlike traditional databases, GenosDB is built for relationships: 
// Create nodes and relationships
const aliceId = await db.put({ type: 'User', name: 'Alice' });
const bobId = await db.put({ type: 'User', name: 'Bob' });
await db.link(aliceId, bobId); // Alice knows Bob

// Traverse the graph recursively
const friends = await db.map({
  query: { 
    name: 'Alice',
    $edge: { type: 'User' } // Find all connected users
  }
});

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Real-Time by Default

Every query can be reactive. Changes sync instantly across all connected peers: 
// Real-time chat messages
await db.map(
  { query: { type: 'message' } },
  ({ value, action }) => {
    if (action === 'added') renderMessage(value);
  }
);

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Scales Horizontally

Optional Cellular Mesh topology enables scaling to thousands of concurrent peers by reducing connection complexity from O(N²) to O(N).

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Key Features

High Performance

Processes tens of thousands of operations per second using OPFS for storage and Web Workers for non-blocking execution.

Flexible Queries

MongoDB-style query operators with support for text search, regex, logical operations, and recursive graph traversal.

P2P Sync

Intelligent hybrid synchronization combines delta updates for speed with full-state fallback for reliability.

Built-in Security

Role-Based Access Control (RBAC), WebAuthn authentication, and optional per-node ACLs for fine-grained permissions.

Conflict Resolution

LWW-CRDT with Hybrid Logical Clocks ensures deterministic conflict resolution across peers.

Modular Architecture

Enable only the features you need: Security Module, Radix Indexer, Geo Module, Audit Module, and more.

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Use Cases

GenosDB is perfect for:
  • Real-time collaboration tools (docs, whiteboards, kanban boards)
  • Decentralized chat applications and social networks
  • P2P video conferencing with WebRTC media streaming
  • Offline-first mobile apps with automatic sync
  • Inventory management systems requiring graph relationships
  • Secure document sharing with granular permissions

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Architecture Overview

GenosDB consists of several integrated modules: 
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│                    GenosDB (GDB)                        │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│  Core Engine: put, get, link, map, remove              │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│  GenosRTC: WebRTC + Nostr for P2P Communication        │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│  Security Manager: RBAC, WebAuthn, ACLs                │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│  Storage: OPFS (Origin Private File System)            │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│  Sync: Oplog + Delta Sync + Full-State Fallback        │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│  Conflict Resolution: LWW-CRDT + Hybrid Logical Clock   │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

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Getting Started

Ready to build with GenosDB? Start with our Installation Guide or jump straight into the Quickstart Tutorial.

Installation

Install GenosDB via npm, yarn, or CDN

Quickstart

Build your first real-time app in 5 minutes

Core Concepts

Learn about graph databases and P2P sync

Examples

Explore working code examples

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Community & Support

GenosDB is actively maintained and has a growing community:

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What’s Next?

1

Install GenosDB

Get GenosDB running in your project via npm or CDN
2

Complete the Quickstart

Build a real-time todo app to learn the basics
3

Explore Core Concepts

Understand graph databases, P2P sync, and security
4

Build Your App

Use our guides and examples to create your application