A Comparative Study of Data Synchronization Frameworks for an Offline-First Survey System

Li Yunshu; Nur Nasuha Mohd Daud; Hou Jiamin; Ragil Tri Atmi

Authors

Li Yunshu Department of Software Engineering, Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology, Universiti Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Nur Nasuha Mohd Daud Department of Software Engineering, Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology, Universiti Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Hou Jiamin Department of Library and Information Science, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Universiti Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Ragil Tri Atmi Department of Information and Library Science, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia

Keywords:

offline-first, data synchronization, survey systems, PouchDB, CouchDB, Firebase Realtime Database, conflict handling, weak-network robustness

Abstract

Offline-first behaviour is essential for field survey systems operating under intermittent or weak connectivity. This paper compares two synchronization approaches in a survey-system prototype: Firebase Realtime Database (RTDB) through a gateway-to-RTDB route and PouchDB/CouchDB using local-first replication, with REST retained as an online-oriented baseline. A standardized experimental harness evaluates latency and completion behaviour, conflict handling, data retention and recovery, and weak-network robustness. Results show that all routes are viable under stable connectivity, but differences become clearer as network conditions deteriorate. PouchDB/CouchDB provides stronger offline continuity because data are committed locally before remote synchronization, while its revision-based replication offers clearer conflict visibility. Firebase RTDB provides convenient cloud integration and real-time capabilities, but the evaluated gateway route remains more dependent on network and server availability. The findings also show that local acknowledgement and remote-visible completion should be evaluated separately. Within the tested prototype, workload, and network profiles, PouchDB/CouchDB provides the stronger fit for field survey workflows prioritizing local durability, recovery, and synchronization auditability.