> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.jentis.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.jentis.com/developer-guide/server-side-storage-interface/storage-comparison.md).

# Storage Comparison

Here’s a **visual comparison table** of the three server-side storage methods available in JENTIS: `userStorage`, `global userStorage`, and `toolInstanceStorage`. This table will help you choose the right storage type for your specific use case:

***

### Storage Scope Comparison

| Feature / Property                     | `userStorage` (Per Tool)                                               | `userStorage` (Global)                                                            | `toolInstanceStorage`                                       |
| -------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Scope**                              | Per user, **per tool instance**                                        | Per user, **shared across all tools**                                             | **Shared across all users**, per tool instance              |
| **Shared Across Tools**                | <i class="fa-circle-xmark">:circle-xmark:</i> No                       | <i class="fa-square-check">:square-check:</i> Yes                                 | <i class="fa-circle-xmark">:circle-xmark:</i> No            |
| **Shared Across Users**                | <i class="fa-circle-xmark">:circle-xmark:</i> No                       | <i class="fa-circle-xmark">:circle-xmark:</i> No                                  | <i class="fa-square-check">:square-check:</i> Yes           |
| **Primary Use Case**                   | Store user-specific data like `client_id`, `gclid` for a specific tool | Store unified identifiers like `client_id` across multiple tools                  | Store shared secrets or tokens like `auth_token` for a tool |
| **Read/Write Interface**               | `this.userStorage.read("key")` / `write(...)`                          | `this.userStorage.read("key", true)` / `write(..., true)`                         | `this.toolInstanceStorage.read("key")` / `write(...)`       |
| **Delete Interface**                   | `this.userStorage.delete("key")`                                       | `this.userStorage.delete("key", true)`                                            | `this.toolInstanceStorage.delete("key")`                    |
| **Data Lifespan**                      | Controlled via expiration timestamp                                    | Controlled via expiration timestamp                                               | Controlled via expiration timestamp                         |
| **Supported in Server-Side Variables** | <i class="fa-square-check">:square-check:</i> Yes                      | <i class="fa-square-check">:square-check:</i> Yes                                 | <i class="fa-square-check">:square-check:</i> Yes           |
| **Global Flag Required**               | <i class="fa-circle-xmark">:circle-xmark:</i> No                       | <i class="fa-square-check">:square-check:</i> Yes (pass `true` as last parameter) | <i class="fa-circle-xmark">:circle-xmark:</i> No            |
| **Example Use**                        | Store `fbclid` for Tool A only                                         | Store `client_id` globally for all tools                                          | Store `access_token` for an API integration                 |

***

### Recommendations

| Goal                                               | Recommended Storage      |
| -------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------ |
| Store user-specific values for **a single tool**   | `userStorage` (per tool) |
| Store user-specific values **shared across tools** | `userStorage` (global)   |
| Store tool-specific data **shared across users**   | `toolInstanceStorage`    |

***

This comparison ensures that you select the correct storage mechanism depending on **who** the data belongs to (user vs. tool) and **how widely it needs to be shared** (tool-only, global, or cross-user).


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