Datastore API expands with sharing, offline mode, and webhooks
Dropbox has rolled out a significant update to its Datastore API, adding three major capabilities: shared datastores, local datastores, and datastore webhooks. The release marks the most substantial change to the API since datastores first launched.
Cross-user data sharing
Shared datastores address what has been a top feature request: letting different Dropbox users access the same data. Applications can now grant permissions on a datastore and distribute the datastore ID, typically via URL. Any Dropbox account holding the proper permissions can then read and write to that shared datastore. Setup details and usage patterns are covered in the Datastore API documentation and tutorial.
Local-first storage
Local datastores, previously available as a preview since Datastore SDK 3.0, are now production-ready. This mode lets an app employ datastores without forcing a Dropbox login up front. Data stays on the device until the user authenticates with Dropbox, at which point the store is migrated to the cloud and synchronized across devices. The Datastore API documentation describes the migration flow in more detail.
Immediate change notifications
Datastore webhooks extend the existing file webhook system to the datastore layer. After a developer registers a webhook URI in the App Console, Dropbox sends a request to that endpoint whenever a user's datastores change, enabling near-real-time reactions in web applications. The webhooks documentation covers registration and payload handling.
SDK refresh
All Sync and Datastore SDKs have been updated with bug fixes, and the mobile SDKs now include support for iOS 8 and Android L. Developers are encouraged to update their SDK versions to pick up the fixes and platform compatibility improvements.
