Offline sync helper — q5
Tools and patterns to keep user content synchronized when devices go offline — resumable uploads, conflict handling, background sync, and efficient diffs.
Go-fileman provides strategies to let creators continue working offline and sync reliably once back online.
How offline sync works
We combine local storage, change logs, chunked transfers, and deterministic merge rules so that edits made while offline sync safely with minimal conflicts.
- Local-first edits with journaling
- Conflict detection using timestamps and vector clocks
- Resumable chunked uploads for large assets
Typical flow
- Make edits offline — saved to local journal
- Device detects connectivity
- Background sync attempts resumable upload
- Server applies deterministic merge or prompts user
Sync strategies & patterns
Choose a strategy based on file size, collaboration level, and expected connectivity.
Compatibility matrix
Browser and platform capabilities that matter for reliable offline sync.
| Feature | Chrome | Safari | Firefox | Mobile WebView |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Service Worker | Yes | Yes (limited) | Yes | Varies |
| Background Sync | Supported | No | Partial | No |
| IndexedDB | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| File System Access | Partial | No | No | No |
Recommendations
- Use IndexedDB for journaling
- Fallback to polling if background sync unavailable
- Implement resumable uploads across platforms
Troubleshooting
Common failure modes and quick fixes.
- Stuck uploads — retry with exponential backoff
- Conflict storms — throttle sync and queue changes
- Partial data — validate checksums after resume
Debug checklist
- Inspect service worker logs
- Verify chunk integrity
- Confirm background sync registrations
FAQ
Will my edits be lost if I close the app?
Edits are journaled locally immediately. Closing the app won't drop queued changes; they'll resume when connectivity returns.
How do you handle large files?
We split files into checksummed chunks so uploads can resume from the last acknowledged chunk.