In Aspen 26.08, thanks to funding from Minuteman Library Network, Grove introduced SQL-based caching to improve Aspen LiDA’s startup speed and overall performance. Frequently used startup data is now stored in local SQLite tables, reducing the number of API calls required when the app launches and allowing information to load more efficiently. This will be most noticeable on a patron’s second login (after LiDA caches the initial data).
In the 26.08 release, Grove sposnored an upgrade to Expo SDK 55 and introduced a new unit-testing framework to help identify regressions as the app’s underlying frameworks and dependencies are updated.
The performance improvements continued in 26.10. Updates reduce duplicate requests when patrons open lists and saved searches, and limit repeated Home screen setup and feed requests. Replacing selected third-party packages with native code also reduces the app’s bundle size and improves performance. Together, these changes help LiDA do less repeated work and provide a smoother experience as patrons move through the app.
