Why You Might Not Need Edge Computing for Your Project

In the evolving landscape of web development, edge computing has been heralded for bringing computation and data storage closer to the location where it is needed, aiming to reduce latency and improve user experience. However, it's not a one-size-fits-all solution. Here's why edge computing might not be necessary for your project:

Database Compatibility Challenges
Many projects rely heavily on databases, and the reality is that not all database technologies are fully compatible with edge environments. Tools like MongoDB/Mongoose and Prisma, which are staples in many development stacks, have faced hurdles in adapting seamlessly to the edge, limiting their effectiveness.

The Complexity vs. Benefit Trade-off
Edge computing introduces a new layer of complexity to your architecture. For projects where response time is not critically affected by a few milliseconds or where the audience is not globally dispersed, the complexity and effort to implement edge computing might not justify the benefits.

Handling Heavy Queries
ORM tools like Prisma can encounter issues like timeouts in edge environments, especially for heavy queries that exceed the runtime limits imposed by edge platforms. This can significantly impact the performance and reliability of your application.

Consider Your Project's Specific Needs
Before jumping on the edge computing bandwagon, it's crucial to assess whether your project truly benefits from it. Consider factors like your user base's geographical distribution, your application's reliance on real-time data, and the complexity of your data queries.