codemp/README.md

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2022-09-14 12:13:48 +02:00
# codemp
This project is heavily inspired by Microsoft Live Share plugin for Visual Studio (Code).
While the functionality is incredibly good, I often find issues or glitches which slow me down, and being locked to only use Visual Studio products is limiting.
I decided to write my own solution, and to make it open source, so that any editor can integrate it with a plugin.
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### Documentation
build the crate documentation with `cargo doc` and access the codemp page with the html redirect `docs.html`
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# Design
## Client/Server
While initially a P2P system seemed interesting, I don't think it would easily scale with many users (due to having to integrate many changes on each client).
I decided to build a client/server architecture, with a central "Workspace" managed by the server application and multiple clients connecting to it.
Each client will only have to care about keeping itself in sync with the server (remembering local-only changes and acknowledged changes), leaving the task of keeping track of differences to the server.
## Plugins
This software will probably be distribuited as a standalone binary that editors can use to connect to a "Workspace". A dynamic library object might also be a choice.
Each editor plugin must be responsible of mapping codemp functionality to actual editor capabilities, bridging codemp client to the editor itself. The client should be able to handle a session autonomously.
## Text Synchronization
A non destructive way to sync changes across clients is necessary.
I initially explored CRDTs, but implementation seemed complex with little extra benefits from "more traditional" approaches (Operational Transforms).
This has to be investigated more.