A Map of Sync

A recent exploration of the sync ecosystem, driven by the local-first movement and advancements in database technologies, presents a taxonomy organizing sync platforms across nine dimensions: data model size, update rate, data structure, input latency, offline support, number of concurrent clients, centralization, flexibility, and consistency. The analysis highlights the diverse landscape of sync solutions, from Dropbox's unstructured file sync to Figma's structured multiplayer cursor updates, and Valorant's real-time gaming requirements. It examines the trade-offs and system requirements that sync platforms must navigate, such as network latency, offline functionality, and scalability. The document emphasizes the importance of understanding the programming model, including centralization versus decentralization and the flexibility of sync protocols in handling conflicts and maintaining data consistency. By dissecting these dimensions, it offers insights into the complex decisions faced by sync engine developers and sets the stage for further discussions on enhancing Convex's sync engine capabilities.

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