Application of a differential dataset to a data store using sequential change sets

A method for applying a dataset to synchronize a first instance of a data store with at least one other instance of the data store, comprising:

• comparing a local version of the dataset to a shared version of the dataset to identify one or more new change sets in a sequentially-ordered list of change sets associated with the data store;
• and
• applying the new change set(s) to the first instance of the data store in the order in which the new change set(s) appear in the sequentially-ordered list, wherein applying a new change set to the first instance of the data store comprises:
• performing one or more operations included in the new change set with respect to one or more corresponding entities in the first instance of the data store, wherein each operation represents how the state of a corresponding entity was changed due to a modification of an instance of the data store other than the first instance of the data store and wherein such state change is not already accounted for by any change set included in the local version of the dataset.

A system comprising:

• a file sharing system that maintains a shared version of a dataset;
• and
• a client device that maintains a local version of the dataset and a local instance of a data store, wherein the client device is configured to:
• obtain the shared version of the dataset from the file sharing system;
• compare the local version of the dataset to the shared version of the dataset to identify one or more new change sets in a sequentially-ordered list of change sets associated with the data store;
• and
• apply the new change set(s) to the local instance of the data store in the order in which the new change set(s) appear in the sequentially-ordered list, wherein applying a new change set to the local instance of the data store includes performing one or more operations included in the new change set with respect to one or more corresponding entities in the local instance of the data store, wherein each operation represents how the state of a corresponding entity was changed due to a modification of an instance of the data store other than the local instance of the data store and wherein such state change is not already accounted for by any change set included in the local version of the dataset;
• and
• overwrite the local version of the dataset with the shared version of the dataset or update the local version of the dataset based on the shared version of the dataset.