How Sync Works
Start here to understand the fundamentals of real-time synchronization. Read the guide →
Concepts
Understanding these core concepts will help you get the most out of Sync or Swim. Start here if you’re new to the platform or want to deepen your knowledge of how synchronization works.
Overview
Section titled “Overview” How Sync Works The fundamentals of bidirectional synchronization
Architecture System components and data flow
Sync Modes System of Record vs External ID modes
Key Concepts at a Glance
Section titled “Key Concepts at a Glance”Bidirectional Sync
Section titled “Bidirectional Sync”Unlike traditional ETL tools that move data one way, Sync or Swim keeps systems in sync both directions. Changes in your database flow to your CRM, and changes in your CRM flow back to your database.
Change Detection
Section titled “Change Detection”Sync or Swim detects changes using the fastest method each system supports - WAL for PostgreSQL, binlog for MySQL, streaming APIs for Salesforce. No triggers to configure, no performance impact on your databases.
Conflict Resolution
Section titled “Conflict Resolution”When the same record changes in two places, conflicts are resolved automatically based on your configuration - either one system is the source of truth, or changes are merged based on timestamps.
Relationship Handling
Section titled “Relationship Handling”Foreign keys, lookups, and parent-child relationships are preserved across systems. Sync or Swim understands your data model and syncs records in the right order.
Learn More
Section titled “Learn More”Architecture
Learn about Control Center, Sync Engines, and how data flows through the system. Explore architecture →
Sync Modes
Understand when to use System of Record vs External ID mode. Compare modes →
Next Steps
Section titled “Next Steps”Once you understand the concepts, you’re ready to:
- Get Started - Set up your first sync
- Connect Adapters - Set up your data sources