# Offline-first > Offline-first is a software design approach in which an application works fully without a network connection, storing data locally on the device and synchronising it with a central system when connectivity is available, with rules for resolving conflicts. Also known as: offline mode, offline-capable, sync-when-connected ## Why does it matter? Many farms, villages and buying centres have weak or no mobile coverage. Tools that depend on connectivity fail exactly where first-mile data is created: field agents return to paper, data is re-entered later, and errors multiply. Offline-first design keeps data collection continuous and captures information at the source. ## How does it work? - **Local storage** on the phone or tablet holds the data the user needs, such as farmer lists, plots and forms. - **Local validation** checks inputs immediately, for example flagging a [self-intersecting polygon](/glossary/self-intersection/) while the agent is still on the plot. - **Background synchronisation** sends and receives changes when a connection appears. - **Conflict resolution** handles records edited in two places. - **Security** protects data on devices that may be lost or shared. ## Common pitfalls - Apps that open offline but cannot save certain forms without a network. - Large downloads that fill low-end phones. - Silent sync failures that leave data stranded on devices. - No visibility for supervisors on what has not yet synchronised. Farmer1st is offline-first in the field, with AI added to support farmers and the teams who use the tools. See [field agent management](/services/field-agent-management/). ## Frequently asked questions ### What is the difference between offline-first and offline mode? An offline mode is often a limited fallback. Offline-first means every core task, such as registering a farmer, mapping a plot or recording a purchase, is designed to work without a network, and connectivity is treated as an optimisation. ### How are sync conflicts handled? Typical strategies include per-field merging, last-writer-wins with history, and flagging conflicts for human review. Whatever the rule, the history should be kept in an audit trail. ## Sources - [FAO, Digital agriculture](https://www.fao.org/digital-agriculture/en/)