Networking·Intermediate·Conceptual·1 min read

How should optimistic updates handle failure?

Short interview answer

Apply the change to the local cache immediately, keep the previous value, send the request, and if it fails, roll the cache back to the previous value and surface an error. Skipping the rollback path leaves the UI showing a change the server rejected.

Key takeaway

Explain the underlying mental model clearly, then support it with a concrete example and its trade-offs.

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How should optimistic updates handle failure?

Key takeaway

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