Conflict resolution strategies in Data Synchronization

2 min readJul 13, 2023

Conflict resolution strategies in Data Synchronization

Conflict resolution strategies are essential when dealing with data synchronization in mobile applications. Here are some examples of commonly used conflict resolution strategies:

1. Last Writer Wins (LWW)

In this strategy, the latest modification made to a data item is considered the valid one. When conflicts occur, the modification made by the last writer is retained, and the conflicting changes are discarded. This approach is suitable for scenarios where real-time collaboration is not critical, and the most recent update is typically the most relevant.

2. Timestamp Ordering

Each data item is associated with a timestamp that indicates when it was last modified. During conflict resolution, the modification with the latest timestamp is considered valid. This strategy ensures chronological order and can be useful when maintaining a history of changes is important.

3. Manual/User Intervention

For critical or complex conflicts, involving user intervention can be a viable option. When conflicts arise, the application prompts the user to select the desired resolution manually. This approach allows users to make informed decisions based on context and their understanding of the data.

4. Merge/Patch

The merge or patch strategy aims to combine conflicting modifications into a single unified state. This can involve merging changes at the field level or using more complex merging algorithms. The goal is to create a merged version that combines the intent of both conflicting modifications. This strategy is commonly used in collaborative editing scenarios where multiple users can modify the same document simultaneously.

5. Predefined Rules or Policies

Developers can establish predefined rules or policies that dictate how conflicts should be resolved. These rules can be based on specific criteria such as priority, access level, or predefined business rules. For example, if a conflict occurs between two user roles, a predefined policy can specify that the modification made by a higher-ranking role takes precedence.

Conclusion

It’s important to note that the choice of conflict resolution strategy depends on the nature of the data, the specific requirements of the application, and the desired user experience. The most suitable strategy may vary from one application to another, and a combination of different strategies may be employed for different types of conflicts within the same application.