# ADR-0005 — Persistence layer (MVP and beyond)

- Status: proposed
- Date: 2026-05-24
- Workplan: CE-WP-0001-T07 (stub); MVP placeholder in CE-WP-0002-T08

## Context

The MVP needs persistence so that "click an evidence item and have the PDF
jump to and highlight the passage — even after a full page reload" works
(PRD §20 step 4). The acceptable MVP shortcut is `localStorage` (decided
explicitly in CE-WP-0002-T08).

This ADR is the durable home for the real persistence decision: where do
documents, annotations, evidence items, links, and sets live in v1.0?

## Options

- **A. Browser-local only (IndexedDB via `idb` or `dexie`)**
  - Pros: zero infra; great for a single-user reference workspace.
  - Cons: no cross-device sync; export/import only via files.

- **B. Local-first + sync server (e.g. CRDT-backed)**
  - Pros: matches the long-term vision of a workspace tool; conflict-free
    multi-device.
  - Cons: significant infra and CRDT design cost; out of MVP scope.

- **C. Traditional client/server with a REST or GraphQL API**
  - Pros: familiar; easy team-sharing story.
  - Cons: requires hosting; loses the local-first character.

## Decision

(blank — to be answered before the second product slice past MVP.)

## Consequences

(blank)