Local-First Sync
Local-first sync keeps a working copy on the device. People can read and write offline, then join changes with copies on other devices.
Another example
A note is edited on a train without signal. It syncs after reconnecting and explains any edit conflict.
Main parts
- 01Device copy
- 02Offline edit log
- 03Reconnect trigger
- 04Merge rule
- 05Sync status
Use it when
Use it when work must stay fast and available through weak or missing connections.
Do not use it when
Do not hide conflicts. When people share data, explain who can view or change it and how conflicting edits are joined.
Name used in code
device copy -> offline edits -> reconnect -> merge -> sync Before you ship
Check the runtime and version, integration limits, dependencies and licenses, and platform support. Verify security, failure, speed, monitoring, deploy, support owner, upgrade path, and rollback.
Outcome: Use or review Local-First Sync as a technical building block that the team can maintain. User context: A note is edited on a train without signal. It syncs after reconnecting and explains any edit conflict. Technology or engineering concept: Local-First Sync. Why it fits: Use it when work must stay fast and available through weak or missing connections. Do not use it when: Do not hide conflicts. When people share data, explain who can view or change it and how conflicting edits are joined. Engineering fit: Define where it runs and which version to use. Set its job, interfaces, data flow, dependencies, supported systems, security, and speed limits. Explain how it fits the current stack. Lifecycle safeguards: Check dependency health and licenses. Add monitoring and a fallback. Name the upgrade owner. Do not add a second tool for the same job without a measured benefit. Acceptance criteria: A small integration proves the needed behavior. Test compatibility, security, failure, and performance. Document deploy, upgrade, support, and rollback steps. Evidence and limits (evidence boundary): No single official standard controls the whole term. Its meaning may change across teams, platforms, or frameworks. Unknowns to confirm: Current stack, runtime and version rules, target systems, dependency owner, performance budget, support period, and migration limits.
Check this request
Review the current use of Local-First Sync. Definition: Local-first sync keeps a working copy on the device. People can read and write offline, then join changes with copies on other devices. Release checks: Check the runtime and version, integration limits, dependencies and licenses, and platform support. Verify security, failure, speed, monitoring, deploy, support owner, upgrade path, and rollback. Before changing code, report the evidence you found, gaps, severity, and the smallest safe fix.