Comparing local-first frameworks and approaches

Local-first frameworks are gaining traction as they prioritize data ownership and usability by allowing applications to function offline and sync data when online, addressing the limitations of cloud-first models. The approach involves using technologies like Conflict-Free Replicated Data Types (CRDTs) and databases like PouchDB and ElectricSQL to ensure seamless data merging and syncing without relying solely on central servers. CRDTs enable real-time collaboration by allowing independent updates to data replicas that eventually converge to the same state, while PouchDB offers a document-based database that syncs with server-side databases, and ElectricSQL uses Postgres for efficient data syncing. These frameworks are part of a broader trend aiming to give users control over their data, enhancing privacy, user autonomy, and resilience against network failures, ultimately transforming the relationship between users and their data.