App dev - Storing Shopify data in local DB

Question

Is it normal for Shopify apps to store some or all data they need for their app in their local database and only fetch data via the Shopify API when the client logs in to update the data?

I know this has a lot of scenarios possible depending on the type of app.

Is anyone willing to share their experience and pros/cons of storing data locally vs accessing it via Shopify at all times?

Answer 1

This is Edward, Shopify’s Lead Developer Advocate.

I wholeheartedly recommend you doing this, especially if you’re going to do any kind of calculations or processing on the data. Pulling the data down just-in-time is likely going to make for a pretty laggy experience.