According to the author, CRDTs (Conflict-free Replicated Data Types) are not necessary for collaborative experiences, except in specific cases like offline-first scenarios and text editing. The author mentions that text editing requires CRDTs because even small errors in the convergence algorithm can result in obvious mistakes. However, using CRDTs has downsides, such as ever-growing state, complex implementations, and opaque state. Instead of CRDTs, the author suggests focusing on contextual information, locking for safety, small-scale updates, and real-time fan-out of updates for collaborative experiences. The author provides examples of how to implement collaboration without CRDTs in various types of applications like form builders, task management tools, spreadsheets, and drawing and presentation platforms. The author asserts that many applications already operate in a similar way without using CRDTs.
https://zknill.io/posts/collaboration-no-crdts/