Versioned Nodes

A computer storage paradigm enabling distributed collaboration with disconnected operation.

The basic idea is to store data in nodes, a chunk of data with a list of links to other nodes. These links convey the ability to read, and possibly write to, these other nodes. It doesn’t matter where a node is hosted, it is linked to the same way whether it’s on your computer, your phone, or anyone else’s.

When you change the content or links on a node, the new version links to the previous version (or versions) of it. This allows you and your friend to edit the same node at the same time, without being connected to each other, and then notice the conflict when you reconnect. The editing software will be able to resolve many conflicts automatically, but some will need your help. In either case, you can examine the previous versions.

published 2024-06-05 updated 2025-01-08

Versioned Nodes Byte Trees

Byte trees are a general purpose format for storing byte-oriented data in versioned nodes.

Versioned Nodes Prior Art

There are a variety of similar systems and designs to versioned nodes. However, they all are designed for narrower applications, and do not quite implement the paradigm.

Converge

Converge is the prototype exchange format for versioned node. It provides fully featured blobs and versions, including braid migration, in encrypted and unencrypted flavors. The encoding with atlv is compact and simple to parse and build. And the cryptography is arranged for compact and efficient implementations.

Versioned Nodes Technical Introduction

Versioned nodes is a computer storage paradigm enabling distributed collaboration, either in real time or with disconnected operation.