Automerge

Automerge

Automerge is a JSON-like data structure and algorithms for building collaborative applications. It allows multiple users to edit shared documents simultaneously while ensuring that all copies remain converged without needing a central server.
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json collaborative-editing realtime

Automerge: Collaborative Data Structure & Algorithms

A JSON-like data structure and algorithms for building collaborative applications, allowing multiple users to edit shared documents simultaneously while ensuring all copies remain converged without a central server.

What is Automerge?

Automerge is a software library that enables real-time, conflict-free editing across multiple devices and users. It uses a JSON-like data structure and synchronization algorithms that automatically merge concurrent changes made by different users on different devices, while preserving all user intentions.

Key features of Automerge include:

  • Real-time synchronization - changes made by any user are instantly synced to all other users
  • Support for offline use - users can make edits even while offline or disconnected
  • Conflict resolution - Automerge merges non-conflicting changes automatically, and highlights conflicting changes for manual resolution
  • Works P2P or with a backend - No central server required, works directly between users' devices
  • Preserves application data and state - Apps don't have to worry about managing edits across users
  • Works with variety of front-end frameworks - Integrates easily into React, Vue, Angular apps

Some example use cases of Automerge include Google Docs-style collaborative documents, multi-user CAD design tools, distributed budgeting & accounting tools, real-time communication apps. Overall, its synchronization capabilities help developers build conflict-free real-time collaboration into their apps.

Automerge Features

Features

  1. Real-time collaboration
  2. Conflict-free merging
  3. Works offline
  4. JSON-like data structure
  5. Algorithms for building collaborative apps

Pricing

  • Open Source

Pros

Allows multiple users to edit shared documents simultaneously

Ensures all copies remain converged without a central server

Works offline and syncs when back online

Easy to integrate into existing apps

Cons

Limited adoption so far

Requires learning new data structure and APIs

Not as full-featured as Google Docs/Office 365 collaboration


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Top Development and Collaborative Editing and other similar apps like Automerge

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