UX++ and DX++ with Sync Engines
Sync engines remove network latency from the user interaction path by maintaining local data stores that sync bidirectionally with servers in the background.
The Problem with Current Patterns
Traditional data-fetching patterns like TanStack Query create poor UX through loading state chains. Developers must manually manage cache invalidation, and users wait for network roundtrips on every interaction. The root cause of slow, waitful web experiences is network latency—not framework limitations.
How Sync Engines Solve This
Sync engines maintain a local data store on the client that syncs with servers in the background. This architecture enables:
- Instant UI responses — interactions never wait for network
- Offline capability — the app works without connectivity
- Automatic real-time collaboration — changes sync across clients
- Simpler code — work with local data subscriptions instead of managing remote state
The pattern mirrors React's success: abstract away complexity to provide better developer experience.
Key Concepts
- Client view tracking — the server knows what each client has synced
- Push/pull synchronization — bidirectional sync patterns
- Optimistic UI — show changes immediately, reconcile later
Related
Expands on ideas from local-first-software and local-first-guide. See also what-is-local-first-web-development for foundational concepts.