Why it matters
A database backup can restore an entire system, but users often need to undo one mistaken edit. Object history gives them a focused recovery path.
The product needs to preserve who changed the object, when, and which fields changed. A restore should create a new version rather than silently erasing the intervening history.
Decisions to make
- Choose which resource types receive history.
- Define a retention window and storage budget for old versions.
- Decide whether users see full snapshots, diffs or both.
- Set who may restore and whether approval is required.
- Plan how linked or derived resources behave after rollback.
Build checklist
- Write immutable versions with actor and timestamp metadata.
- Show a comparison before applying a restore.
- Restore by creating a new current version.
- Test concurrent edits and stale restore requests.
- Audit rollbacks and protect sensitive fields in history.
Common mistakes
- Treating a whole-database restore as the only undo mechanism.
- Overwriting the current object with an old version without recording the restore.
- Exposing historical secrets to users who cannot see them now.
Tools & references
3 starting points to compare or study. Check fit, maintenance, terms and current capabilities before choosing one.