Ascend Documentation

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Real-time Collaboration ​

This guide explains how Ascend handles multiple users working on the same page simultaneously.

Overview ​

Ascend provides real-time awareness of who is viewing and editing pages, helping teams collaborate without conflicts.

Presence Indicators ​

Seeing Who's Online ​

When you open a page, you'll see avatars of other users viewing the same page:

  • Avatars appear in the page header
  • Each user has a unique color
  • Hover over an avatar to see the user's name

Your Presence ​

Your presence is automatically tracked when you:

  • Open a page
  • Move your cursor
  • Make edits

When you leave or close the page, you're automatically removed.

Edit Locking ​

How It Works ​

To prevent conflicting edits, Ascend uses edit locking:

  1. When you start editing, you acquire a lock
  2. Other users see that you're editing
  3. They can view changes but can't edit simultaneously
  4. When you're done, the lock is released

Lock Timeout ​

Locks automatically expire after 5 minutes of inactivity, preventing abandoned locks from blocking others.

When Someone Else is Editing ​

If another user has the lock, you'll see:

  • A yellow notification showing who's editing
  • You can still view the page
  • Wait for them to finish or contact them directly

Conflict Detection ​

Version Tracking ​

Each page has a version number that increments with every save.

If a Conflict Occurs ​

Conflicts are rare with locking, but can happen if:

  • Two users edit different browsers without locking
  • A lock expires while someone is still editing

When a conflict is detected:

  1. You'll see a conflict warning
  2. Refresh to see the latest version
  3. Re-apply your changes if needed

Best Practices ​

Communicate ​

Let teammates know when you're making major edits to a shared page.

Save Frequently ​

Frequent saves reduce the risk of losing work if conflicts occur.

Respect Locks ​

If someone has a lock, check with them before attempting to edit.

Close Tabs ​

Close page tabs when you're done to release locks and remove your presence.

Limitations ​

Current Implementation ​

  • Presence updates every few seconds (not instant)
  • Cursor positions are tracked but not displayed
  • Full real-time co-editing (like Google Docs) is planned for future

Planned Features ​

Future updates may include:

  • Live cursor positions
  • Character-by-character sync
  • Offline editing with sync
  • Change highlights from other users

Troubleshooting ​

I Can't Edit ​

  1. Check if someone else has the lock
  2. Wait for the lock to expire (5 minutes)
  3. Contact the person who has the lock

My Presence Isn't Showing ​

  1. Check your internet connection
  2. Refresh the page
  3. Presence updates automatically every few seconds

Conflict on Save ​

  1. Your changes may conflict with another user's
  2. Copy your changes to clipboard
  3. Refresh the page
  4. Re-apply your changes

FAQ ​

Can multiple people edit at the same time? ​

Currently, one person can edit at a time per page. Others can view but not edit while the lock is held.

What happens if I lose connection? ​

Your presence will timeout after 30 seconds, and any lock will expire after 5 minutes.

Can I force-release someone's lock? ​

Not currently. Wait for the timeout or contact the user.