Question 1

How to set up RethinkDB with Meteor using the simple:rethink package?

Accepted Answer

First, install RethinkDB locally or on a server, then add the package with 'meteor add simple:rethink' and set the RETHINK_URL environment variable. The package automatically connects to a local instance if available, but manual configuration is needed for remote databases.

Question 2

What are the main limitations of meteor-rethinkdb compared to using MongoDB with Meteor?

Accepted Answer

Unlike MongoDB, meteor-rethinkdb requires manual table creation, has restricted publication queries (only point and order/limit), and is experimental. MongoDB integration in Meteor is more mature, with automatic collections and broader ecosystem support.

Question 3

Is meteor-rethinkdb ready for production use?

Accepted Answer

No, the README clearly states it's a work in progress and not ready for prime-time, so it's best suited for development or experimental projects. Avoid it for production until it reaches a stable release with more features and testing.

Question 4

How to perform complex queries on the client-side with meteor-rethinkdb?

Accepted Answer

Use the ReQL JavaScript API via the Rethink.r object on the client, allowing advanced queries like ordering and filtering. However, note that publications have limitations, and the client-side cache relies on Reqlite for simulations, which may not support all ReQL features.

Question 5

Can I use meteor-rethinkdb for user accounts instead of MongoDB?

Accepted Answer

Not yet—the README mentions that user accounts stored in RethinkDB are planned but not implemented. For now, you'd need to handle authentication separately or stick with MongoDB's built-in accounts system in Meteor.

Question 6

How does meteor-rethinkdb handle latency compensation?

Accepted Answer

It leverages Meteor's latency compensation by enabling optimistic client-side updates through the client-side cache, so UI changes appear instantly without waiting for server responses, as described in the package's goals for real-time apps.

simple:rethink

What is simple:rethink?

Overview

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Pros & Cons

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Frequently Asked Questions