Offline‑First Strategies for Cloud Sync

When building applications that rely on cloud storage, ensuring a seamless experience for users with intermittent connectivity is critical. Below are some proven strategies to make your sync solution truly offline‑first:

1. Local Data Store: Use an embedded database (e.g., IndexedDB, SQLite) to cache user actions immediately.
2. Change Queue: Record mutations in a FIFO queue and replay them when the network is restored.
3. Conflict Resolution: Implement version vectors or CRDTs to merge concurrent updates without data loss.
4. Background Sync: Leverage Service Workers' Background Sync API to schedule sync when connectivity returns.
5. Progressive Enhancement: Gracefully degrade functionality for browsers that lack advanced APIs.

Feel free to share your own experiences or ask questions in the comments below.