undoredo

Undoredo is a system capability in software that allows users to reverse and reapply a sequence of actions. It enables reverting changes to a prior state (undo) and then restoring actions that were previously reversed (redo). This mechanism is central to editing environments, data entry tools, and some interactive applications, helping users recover from mistakes and experiment without permanent consequences.

Implementation of undoredo typically relies on a history of actions. A common approach uses the command pattern, where each user action is encapsulated as a command object with execute and undo methods. When a command is performed, it is pushed onto an undo stack; invoking undo pops the last command, calls its undo method, and moves the command to a redo stack. Redo performs the opposite operation, moving commands back to the undo stack. If the user performs a new action after an undo, the redo stack is cleared to preserve a coherent history.

Variants include linear undo/redo, which maintains a single sequential history, and grouped or transactional undo, where multiple actions can be treated as a single macro for atomic reversal. Some systems also implement periodic checkpoints or state snapshots to optimize memory use or speed up large undos.

Challenges include memory and performance overhead, persistence across sessions, and ensuring correctness when actions have side effects or irreversible operations. Collaborative environments may require additional techniques such as operational transformation or CRDTs to reconcile concurrent edits while preserving a consistent undo/redo history.

Common applications include text editors, graphic design tools, spreadsheets, and integrated development environments. Undoredo remains a foundational feature for user-friendly interfaces, balancing flexibility with reliable state management.