The main difference between `localStorage` and `sessionStorage`

The main difference between localStorage and sessionStorage lies in how long the data is stored and where it's accessible. Here's a detailed comparison:

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🗂️ 1. Persistence Duration

Feature	localStorage	sessionStorage
Lifespan	Persists even after the browser/tab is closed	Data is cleared when the tab is closed
Use Case	For data that should persist between sessions	For temporary data needed during a session

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🌐 2. Scope of Access

Feature	localStorage	sessionStorage
Tab/Window Sharing	Shared across all tabs/windows from the same origin	Unique to the specific tab or window
Example	Login token accessible in all tabs	Shopping cart limited to one tab

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📦 3. Storage Capacity

Feature	localStorage & sessionStorage
Capacity	Around 5MB (varies by browser)
Storage Type	Stores only strings

To store objects:

// Storing
localStorage.setItem("user", JSON.stringify(userObj));

// Retrieving
const user = JSON.parse(localStorage.getItem("user") || '{}');

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🔐 4. Security

• Both are vulnerable to XSS (Cross-Site Scripting) attacks.
• Neither should store sensitive data like passwords directly.

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✅ When to Use Which?

Use Case	Recommended Storage
Login sessions that persist on refresh	localStorage
Temporary form data within one tab	sessionStorage
Remembering user preferences/settings	localStorage
One-time flow data (e.g., survey step)	sessionStorage

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Summary

Feature	localStorage	sessionStorage
Persist Across Tabs	✅ Yes	❌ No
Persist After Refresh	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Persist After Closing Tab	✅ Yes	❌ No
Use Case	Long-term storage	Tab/session-specific

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Happy Coding!

Comments

[om4rAb]

Helpful thank you