Plexii glossary
Local-first software
Software that keeps the primary copy of your work on your device while treating network services as optional helpers.
What it means
Neutral explainer of the concept, distinct from the product-specific local first explained (link it for how PlexiDesk does it). Source, verified: Kleppmann et al., ‘Local-first software’, Ink & Switch, Onward! 2019 (https://www.inkandswitch.com/essay/local-first/), and its seven ideals quoted exactly (“No spinners: your work at your fingertips”, “Your work is not trapped on one device”, “The network is optional”, “Seamless collaboration with your colleagues”, “The Long Now”, “Security and privacy by default”, “You retain ultimate ownership and control”). Explain offline-first versus local-first, and CRDTs in one paragraph . Related: single-source-of-truth, second-brain, bring-your-own-key.
The term is most useful as a shared description. It does not remove the need to look at the actual task, evidence or constraint in front of you.
A practical example
You edit a document on a flight with no connection because the working copy and editor are already on your computer.
Put it into practice
- Name the concrete situation before applying the label. Local-first software is useful only when it changes a choice, boundary or next action.
- Make the state visible: write the owner, time, source or stopping condition down instead of relying on memory.
- Review what happened. Keep the part that reduced ambiguity and change the part that added ceremony without helping the work.
How it relates to Plexii
Plexii keeps the files, notes, tasks and timers for one piece of work together on its desk. That can make the state of the work visible without claiming that software solves the underlying human problem.