Home / Glossary / Local-first
What is Local-first?
Local-first is a software architecture where the source of truth is the user’s device, with optional sync to the cloud. osFoundry’s desktop app is local-first — works offline, private channels never sync, cloud features are opt-in.
Detail
Cloud-first apps stop working when offline and put data sovereignty in the vendor’s hands. Local-first apps invert: data lives on your device, optionally synced. Resilient to network outages, vendor changes, account loss.
Key technical pieces: a sync engine (CRDTs, OT, or custom), conflict resolution, and an offline-capable storage layer.
How osFoundry approaches Local-first
osFoundry’s desktop app projects the workspace into your file system, runs models on-device, and syncs only what you let it. Private channels never leave the device.
Related terms
Related features