Understanding Application Data Flow
This section explains how data flows through the Panels Management System, from application startup through real-time updates. Understanding these flows is crucial for developers working with the system, as it reveals the underlying patterns and principles that govern how data moves through the application.
The Three Core Data Flows
The application has three primary data flow scenarios, each serving different purposes:
1. Application Startup Flow
When the application first loads, it must establish all necessary connections and prepare the data layer. This flow ensures the application is ready to serve users efficiently.
Learn about Application Startup →
2. Panel Entry Flow
When a user navigates to a specific panel, the application must load panel configuration and retrieve the relevant data from external systems. This flow optimizes for fast, responsive user experiences.
Learn about Panel Entry Flow →
3. Real-time Updates Flow
The application maintains live connections to external data sources to provide real-time updates. This flow ensures users see the most current information without manual refresh.
Learn about Real-time Updates →
Supporting Flows
These core flows are supported by additional specialized flows:
Authentication Flow
How the application manages user authentication and session state across the entire system.
Learn about Authentication Flow →
State Management Flow
How the application manages and transforms data as it moves through different layers of the system.
Learn about State Management →
Flow Integration
These flows don't operate in isolation. They work together to create a seamless user experience:
Common Patterns
As you explore these flows, you'll notice recurring patterns:
Provider Pattern
Components are wrapped in providers that establish context and manage dependencies.
Hook Pattern
Custom React hooks encapsulate data access logic and provide reactive interfaces.
Store Pattern
Reactive stores manage application state and coordinate updates across components.
Subscription Pattern
WebSocket subscriptions maintain live connections to external data sources.
Troubleshooting Guide
When working with these flows, common issues include:
- Authentication failures - Check session validity and token expiration
- Data loading delays - Verify external service connectivity
- Real-time update gaps - Check WebSocket connection status
- State inconsistencies - Verify reactive store subscriptions
Each flow documentation includes specific troubleshooting guidance.
Next Steps
Start with the Application Startup Flow to understand how the system initializes, then explore the other flows to build a complete understanding of how data moves through the application.
Contributing to Data Flow Documentation
Help improve our understanding of data flows:
- Report Issues - Document unexpected behavior or performance problems
- Share Insights - Document discoveries about flow interactions
- Suggest Improvements - Propose optimizations or architectural changes
- Update Diagrams - Keep visual representations current with code changes