Local-first repo memory vs cloud vectors

Cloud vector stacks optimize for hosted apps; local-first wins for repo context. We break down privacy, cost, and latency tradeoffs.

Cloud vectors solve a different problem

Managed vector databases are optimized for shared infrastructure, metered storage, and production workloads. That model makes sense for hosted apps, not for a developer's local repo context.

Local-first changes the economics

When the index lives on-device, you skip ingestion pipelines and storage meters. Costs align with the only scarce resource: context delivered to the agent.

Latency and privacy advantages

Local retrieval is faster and keeps proprietary code on the machine or inside the network boundary. For security-sensitive teams, that simplicity is often the difference between 'can use' and 'cannot deploy'.