What is Fluid Framework?
Fluid Framework is a set of client libraries designed for real-time, collaborative web applications. It simplifies the distribution and synchronization of shared state, allowing multiple clients to work on shared data structures akin to local data manipulation.
Why Fluid?
Fluid stands out due to its:
- Client-centric model: Offers data persistence with no custom server code.
- Distributed data structures: Familiar programming patterns for developers.
- Ultra-low latency: Enhances real-time collaboration experiences.
Historically, collaborative applications required complex server-side logic. Microsoft’s Fluid Framework changes this, allowing developers to concentrate on client-side experiences, with the server handling data synchronization.
Focused on the Client Developer
Fluid’s strength lies in enabling sophisticated data sync scenarios (like real-time typing in text editors) without any server-side custom code. It supports various application frameworks, making the integration seamless regardless of whether you use plain JavaScript, React, Angular, or Vue.
How Fluid Works
Fluid’s architecture minimizes server logic, focusing instead on client-side state management. This strategy achieves near-instant syncing across clients with minimal server costs. The server’s role is primarily to sequence and distribute data operations to clients, which then independently reconstruct the current state.
Typical Workflow in Fluid:
- Client changes data locally.
- Fluid runtime sends the change to the service.
- The service sequences it and broadcasts to all clients.
- Fluid runtime updates local data and triggers a “valueChanged” event.
- Client code reacts to this event.
Fluid Framework Architecture
The framework comprises three main components:
- Fluid Loader: Connects to and loads a Fluid container.
- Fluid Containers: Contain the application logic and state.
- Fluid Service: Sequences and broadcasts operations.
Fluid Container
A Fluid container is akin to a serverless app with persistent data. It uses shared objects and distributed data structures (DDSes) to manage state.
Fluid Service
This service acts as a total-order broadcast system, sequencing operations from clients and redistributing them. It’s designed for simplicity and efficiency.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a DDS in Fluid Framework?
DDS stands for distributed data structure, forming the core of the Fluid Framework. They sync across clients while being used like local data structures.
Where is the Data Stored in Fluid Framework?
Data is stored in two ways:
- Session Storage: Managed by the Fluid service, recording all operations.
- Persistent Storage: External storage like databases or cloud services.
How Does Fluid Sync Data?
Fluid uses a combination of WebSocket protocol and the Fluid service to ensure all clients remain in sync.
What’s the Difference Between Fluid Framework and SignalR?
While SignalR focuses on real-time server-client communication, Fluid Framework emphasizes state distribution among clients, offering a more holistic solution for collaborative environments.
Can Fluid Operate Offline?
Fluid requires an internet connection to sync data between clients, though it can handle brief outages. An intranet-based Fluid service is theoretically possible but not currently supported by Microsoft.
Is Fluid Framework Compatible with Various UX Frameworks?
Absolutely. Fluid is compatible with any web-based UX framework, including React, Angular, and Vue.
Conclusion
Fluid Framework is a powerful tool for developing real-time, collaborative web applications. By handling the complexities of data synchronization, it allows developers to focus on creating engaging client-side experiences. As web development continues to evolve, tools like the Fluid Framework are essential for building the next generation of interactive, user-centric applications.