PubNub DataSync vs. real-time databases: Where your app's live state belongs

Using a marathon-tracking demo, the post compares PubNub DataSync with real-time databases for synchronizing application data across connected clients. DataSync stores schema-validated, token-authorized entities that publish updates through PubNub channels and typically expire after a limited period, making it suitable for live, shared race-day state such as runner locations, cheers, and official timing updates. Its projections can restrict which fields different users may read or write, while reconnecting clients retrieve current records rather than replaying missed events. Real-time databases are better suited to persistent records, rich cross-record queries, analytics, search, and offline-first write synchronization, such as registrations, historical results, and reporting data. The example separates transient Pub/Sub notifications, temporary DataSync state, and durable database records, illustrating how many applications can use both systems while also retaining detailed GPS tracks locally or exporting them to services such as Strava.

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