Local First (en)

What is Local First Software?

The term comes from a 2019 article by the Ink & Switch Institute. It defines 7 properties that software should have in order to...

give you full control over your data.


Unlike traditional SaaS applications, where everything goes through remote servers, a Local First application stores your data on your device.

Local First properties

FADAcore

1. ⏱ No spinners
The interface responds instantly because actions don’t depend on the network. The response time is that of your machine, not a server on the other side of the world.

✅ Developed in C++.
✅ 4Mo executable.
✅ Locale database.

2. 📱 Multi-device
Your data follows you across all your devices. Synchronization happens in the background, without ever interrupting your work.		✅ Linux computer.
✅ Windows computer.
📵 Mac computer.
📵 Smartphone (coming soon).
📵 Refrigerator (not planned)
3. 📴 Works off-line
The app remains fully usable without an internet connection.		✅ Locale software.
✅ Locale database.
4. 🔀 Collaboration
Multiple people can work together without overwriting each other’s work. Changes made offline merge cleanly.		✅ Smart synchronization.
✅ Multi-version sync.
✅ Rules for resolving data conflicts.
⚠️ The entire database is exchanged during each sync (with compression).
5. 💎 Longevity
Your data remains readable even if the app is discontinued. It is stored in open, well-documented formats and can be easily exported.

✅ User data exports.
✅ Database schema export.

6. 🔒 Privacy by default
Your data is not transferred in the clear to a server. It is encrypted and remains private.		✅ Internet sync: AES 256 bits GCM.
⚠️ Not encrypted on your devices.
7. 🔑 You own your data
You have exclusive access to your data and can take it elsewhere at any time.		✅ No third-party use of your data.
✅ Unencrypted SQLite locally, CSV exports.

The internet is becoming less and less secure, surveillance is increasing, and a new chapter is beginning. Let's adopt new habits.