Real-Time Transactions Map: Multi-Threading Strategy

Overview

The Transactions Map feature implements a multi-threading strategy to display and update, in real-time, the locations where users have conducted financial transactions. This implementation ensures a smooth and efficient visualization of transactions on the map, differentiating between incomes and expenses using color-coded markers, while avoiding UI blocking.

Purpose

• Enable the visualization of transactions on an interactive map.
• Update information in real-time without impacting the user experience.
• Efficiently handle database read/write operations.
• Ensure data synchronization in scenarios of intermittent connectivity.

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Multi-Threading Implementation

Background Operation Queue

A dedicated background queue is implemented to handle:

• Processing of transaction data.
• Read/write operations on the local database.
• Synchronization with Firebase.
• Periodic updates of map markers.

Periodic Updates

• A background timer checks for new transactions every 30 seconds.
• Updates are processed on a secondary thread to avoid UI blocking.
• A caching system is implemented to optimize performance.

State Management

The application maintains distinct threads for:

• UI Thread: Renders the map and markers.
• Background Thread: Handles data processing and synchronization.
• Network Thread: Monitors connectivity and performs Firebase operations.

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Benefits of the Strategy

Enhanced Performance

• Responsive UI during heavy operations.
• Efficient background data loading.
• Lower device resource consumption.

Improved User Experience

• Smooth map updates.
• No interface freezing.
• Immediate visual feedback.

Robust Data Handling

• Reliable synchronization.
• Prevention of data loss.
• Efficient memory management.

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Use Cases

1. Initial Visualization

• The UI loads immediately.
• Data is loaded asynchronously.
• Markers are progressively updated.

2. Real-Time Updates

• New transactions are detected in the background.
• The UI updates seamlessly.
• Markers are added/removed smoothly.

3. Offline Mode

• Data is stored locally.
• Synchronization occurs in the background.
• The UI reflects connectivity status.

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Results

• Significant improvement in application performance.
• Reduced UI freezes and ANRs.
• Increased user satisfaction.
• Better system resource management.

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Conclusion

The multi-threading implementation for the Transactions Map feature has enabled the creation of a smooth and efficient user experience while maintaining data integrity and optimizing application performance on both iOS and Android platforms.