The future of databases is not just a database

James Cowling discusses the future of databases as platforms that extend beyond traditional storage to manage persistent state across application surfaces, using the example of an online store built on Convex. This approach emphasizes the importance of maintaining consistent, dynamic states across various components and users, ensuring actions like adding items to a cart are reflected instantaneously and consistently for all users. Convex simplifies this complex task by requiring only two simple queries written in JavaScript or TypeScript, automatically managing backend data changes and updating browser components consistently via websockets. The platform is presented as a comprehensive backend-as-a-service solution that effectively handles the challenges of managing persistent state, suggesting that businesses may benefit more from such a platform than from a traditional database. Convex offers a seamless integration of cloud functions, databases, file storage, and other features necessary for building scalable full-stack AI projects.