How Google Docs uses Operation Transformation to resolve conflicts #coding #systemdesign

3-Second Blueprint (English)

1. Google Docs applies edits locally first and streams compact operations over WebSockets to a central collaboration server.
2. Network latency means concurrent edits—like inserting 'X' and deleting 'C' on 'ABC'—target outdated document states.
3. Operational Transformation tags operations with document versions and shifts indices so all clients converge without conflict.