Synchronization is a critical aspect of mobile database functionality, especially for applications that operate both online and offline. When a mobile app stores data locally, changes made by users must be synced back to the cloud or central server once connectivity is restored. This process must be handled efficiently to ensure data consistency across all devices.
Some mobile databases, like Firebase Realtime Database and Firestore, offer mobile database automatic synchronization features. These tools ensure that updates made on one device are quickly reflected on others, reducing the complexity for developers. However, not all databases provide built-in sync capabilities, requiring custom synchronization logic.
Conflict resolution is an essential component of sync systems. When multiple users edit the same data simultaneously, the database must resolve discrepancies intelligently—often using strategies like last-write-wins, versioning, or manual user intervention.
Reliable synchronization enhances user experience by preventing data loss, duplication, or corruption across devices and sessions.