Table of contents
Definition
Local storage is a web storage type that enables JavaScript sites and apps to store data (key-value pairs [→]) in the browser with no expiration date. So, unlike session storage [→], local storage holds the data even when the tab or browser is closed.
Compared to cookies, local storage offers a higher storage limit (around 5 MB or more), the syntax is straightforward, and it does not send data to the server during an HTTP request.
Use Cases and Examples
Local Storage is used mostly when a website wants to hold data that a user might want to see in the next visit. For example, shopping cart, UI theme, etc.
To store values in localStorage, setItem() method is used. For example, window.localStorage.setItem('key', 'value');.
Similarly, there are other methods for carry out other functions with localStorage, such as getItem(), remoteItem(), clear(), etc.
Summary
It is not meant to store sensitive data. Third-party (code [→] on the website can easily access the data and this might lead to a security breach. The key advantage of local storage is that there is no expiration date, so the data is retained for as long as the developer wants.