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wtf is idb-mutex?

robertknight/idb-mutex — explained in plain English

Analysis updated 2026-07-17 · repo last pushed 2022-04-26

★ 9TypeScriptAudience · developerComplexity · 2/5DormantSetup · easy

TL;DR

A TypeScript library that uses IndexedDB to create a cross-tab mutex, so only one browser tab performs a critical action at a time.

Mindmap

mindmap
  root((idb-mutex))
    What it does
      Cross tab locking
      Atomic check and update
      Auto expiring locks
    Tech stack
      TypeScript
      IndexedDB
      Browser
    Use cases
      Prevent duplicate sync to server
      Coordinate shared resource access
      Handle crashed tab cleanup
    Audience
      Web developers
    Alternative
      Native Web Locks API
      Legacy browser support

Code map

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filefunction / class

Why would anyone build with this?

REASON 1

Ensure only one open browser tab syncs local data to the server at a time.

REASON 2

Give multiple tabs exclusive turn-based access to a shared resource like a local database write.

REASON 3

Set an auto-expiring lock so a crashed or closed tab doesn't leave the resource permanently locked.

REASON 4

Support cross-tab locking in older browsers that lack the native Web Locks API.

What's in the stack?

TypeScriptIndexedDB

How it stacks up

robertknight/idb-mutexmaximseshuk/payload-plugin-openapiobaidqatan/liquid-glass-component-library
Stars999
LanguageTypeScriptTypeScriptTypeScript
Last pushed2022-04-26——
MaintenanceDormant——
Setup difficultyeasyeasyeasy
Complexity2/52/52/5
Audiencedeveloperdevelopervibe coder

Figures from each repo's GitHub metadata at analysis time.

How do you spin it up?

Difficulty · easy Time to first run · 5min

Native Web Locks API is preferred on modern browsers, this is mainly for legacy browser support.

Yoink these prompts

Prompt 1
Show me how to use idb-mutex to make sure only one browser tab syncs data to my server at a time.
Prompt 2
Write example code using idb-mutex to create a named lock with a 30 second expiry for a shared resource.
Prompt 3
Explain why idb-mutex uses IndexedDB instead of localStorage for cross-tab locking.
Prompt 4
Should I use idb-mutex or the native Web Locks API for my app, and how do I migrate between them?

Frequently asked questions

wtf is idb-mutex?

A TypeScript library that uses IndexedDB to create a cross-tab mutex, so only one browser tab performs a critical action at a time.

What language is idb-mutex written in?

Mainly TypeScript. The stack also includes TypeScript, IndexedDB.

Is idb-mutex actively maintained?

Dormant — no commits in 2+ years (last push 2022-04-26).

How hard is idb-mutex to set up?

Setup difficulty is rated easy, with roughly 5min to a first successful run.

Who is idb-mutex for?

Mainly developer.

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