Conflict resolution in database replication through autonomous node qualified folding

A computer-implemented method implemented in each node of a distributed database system comprising multiple nodes, the method comprising:

• storing a database, wherein the database is a local copy of a distributed database;
• maintaining a local abstract clock value;
• accepting local changes to the database;
• incrementing the local abstract clock value each time a local change is accepted;
• transmitting to other nodes local change records describing the local changes to the database;
• receiving from the other nodes other change records describing changes to the database at the other nodes;
• accumulating a log of change records, wherein the change records comprise the local change records and the other change records, wherein each change record describes a change made to a row at a source node, wherein each change record comprises an identifier of the source node, a source node abstract clock value, a row identifier, a row version number, and cell values of the row before and after the change;
• autonomously applying the other change records to the database, wherein the other change records are considered in source node abstract clock order, wherein autonomously applying the other change records comprises detecting a collision between the other change records and the database and, when a collision is detected, selecting a persistent result,
• wherein selecting a persistent result comprises, for each change record, sequentially scanning through the log of change records in order of local abstract clock value to identify the persistent result.