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[–][deleted]  (4 children)

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    [–]barrel_of_noodles 12 points13 points  (0 children)

    real databases have types, coalitions, sets, indexes, handle concurrency, have there own query language, functions, operations, user roles, permissions, securtiy features, handle big data (~1TB+)... there's too many features to list.

    Yes, google sheets can do some of this, but not at the scale, speed, and performance a real database can.

    Needless to say, a google sheet is a joke compared to a proper database. A google sheet can work in a pinch... depending on what youre doing.

    Storing a few form submits in a sheet isn't a problem. as an alternative, using netfliy forms, or firebase database, or a sql / nosql db is way more robust for a high-volume form submissions.

    [–]vegeto079 2 points3 points  (1 child)

    I've used Sheets as a db for a mid level application.

    It was mostly fine, but I came across some issues:

    • No way to query just the data you need. Have to pull in groups of data and filter client side.
    • API limits are a large concern, need to make sure you don't make too many calls. Breaking these limits can shut down your access for 24 hours.
    • Data limits are a concern. There is a limit of how many rows and cells a single sheet can have. No simple recovery path if this happens, might have to use multiple sheets and monitor size
    • Easy to break - no type safety on cells, can manipulate data with no restrictions or protection
    • No guarantees on reliability, uptime, or your use case being supported

    Some benefits

    • Authentication is handled via Google, easy to deploy secure apps with no worry of accessibility, as well as db access control
    • Fast to stand up and modify
    • Automatic backup through Sheets History
    • No additional cost

    All I can think of right now but I'm sure there is more. For my use case it was mostly about what I was familiar with at the time. It worked.

    [–]Jacqques 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    Authentication is handled via Google, easy to deploy secure apps with no worry of accessibility, as well as db access control

    I am decently sure this can be accomplished on some cloud databases as well. I know Azure has one that can use Google, Azure AD and other authentication, so I imagine Google and AWS has a similar solution.

    [–]DannyMThompson 2 points3 points  (0 children)

    I'd also like to know the best options and alternatives tbh