Resolving Duplicate Session Creation In Mobile And Desktop Chat Applications

Jul 26, 2025 by Sharif Sakr 77 views

Guys, let's dive into a fascinating issue we've been tackling: duplicate session creation in our mobile and desktop chat applications. It's a bit of a head-scratcher, but we're going to break it down, explore the root causes, and map out some potential solutions. This is crucial for ensuring a smooth user experience and keeping our database clean and efficient.

Problem Summary: The Duplicate Session Dilemma

So, what's the deal? Essentially, every time a chat is initiated from a mobile device, we're seeing two sessions pop up in our Convex database. This is definitely not ideal, and here's how it manifests:

A mobile session is created, identified by a format like mobile-123-abc. The kicker? It's marked as "processed" and, sadly, contains no Claude responses. It's like a ghost session, just hanging out but not really doing anything.
Then, a desktop session appears, sporting a UUID format (you know, the usual a1b2c3d4-e5f6-... vibe). This is the active session, the one that's actually holding all the messages and Claude's brilliant responses. This is where the real action is happening.

The real pain point? When mobile users click "View Session" after starting a chat, they're being redirected to the empty, "processed" mobile session. Imagine the frustration! They're expecting to see a lively conversation, but instead, they're met with a blank screen. Not a great first impression, right?

This duplication issue not only impacts the user experience but also clutters our database with unnecessary sessions. It's like having two keys for the same door, but one key leads to an empty room. We need to streamline this process and ensure that users are directed to the correct, active session every time.

This issue is crucial to solve because it directly impacts user satisfaction. When users can't access their chat history or see Claude's responses, it undermines their trust in the platform. Additionally, maintaining duplicate sessions puts unnecessary strain on our database resources, which can lead to performance issues down the line. A clean, efficient system is a happy system, and a happy system means happy users.

To further illustrate the impact, consider the user journey. A mobile user initiates a conversation, types in their query, and eagerly anticipates Claude's response. They click "View Session" hoping to see the unfolding dialogue, but instead, they're presented with a blank slate. This disconnect not only frustrates the user but also diminishes the value they derive from our application. We want users to feel connected and engaged, not lost in a maze of empty sessions. The goal is to provide a seamless, intuitive experience where conversations flow effortlessly, and users can easily access their chat history. Addressing this issue is paramount to achieving that goal and ensuring our users have a positive, productive interaction with our platform.

Current Behavior: Screenshots Speak Louder Than Words

To paint a clearer picture, let's look at some screenshots that perfectly illustrate what's happening. These visuals really help to drive home the issue and make it crystal clear.

Session List Shows Duplicates

Here's the scenario: you see a session list, and it's showing duplicates. It's like looking in a mirror and seeing two of yourself – confusing, right?

Testing dpJE - processed (created by: mobile) ← Empty session
Testing dpJE - active (created by: desktop) ← Has all messages
Testing GY3f - processed (created by: mobile) ← Empty session
Testing GY3f - active (created by: desktop) ← Has all messages

Notice the pattern? For each chat, there's a "processed" mobile session that's empty, and an "active" desktop session that's got all the goods. It's like having a shadow version of each conversation, but the shadow doesn't say anything.

Mobile User Sees: Empty Session with No Claude Responses

This is where it really hits home. A mobile user, excited to see Claude's wisdom, clicks on a session and... nothing. Just an empty session staring back at them. It's like ordering a pizza and getting an empty box. Disappointing, to say the least.

These screenshots highlight the core problem: mobile users are being directed to the wrong session, leaving them in the dark. It's a classic case of misdirection, and we need to fix the signs so users end up where they're supposed to be: in the lively, active conversation.

Root Cause Analysis: Unraveling the Mystery

Alright, let's put on our detective hats and get to the bottom of this. To truly solve the duplicate session issue, we need to understand the root cause. It's like figuring out why the cake fell – was it the recipe, the oven, or maybe a mischievous gremlin? In this case, it's the session creation flow that we need to dissect.

Session Creation Flow: A Step-by-Step Breakdown

Here's the sequence of events that leads to the creation of these duplicate sessions. It's a bit like a Rube Goldberg machine – a series of steps that, while logical in isolation, result in a somewhat convoluted outcome when put together. But don't worry, we'll make sense of it.

Mobile creates initial session (apps/mobile/components/ClaudeCodeMobile.tsx:93-97)
- This is where it all begins. The mobile app initiates the process by calling requestDesktopSession({...}). This function is supposed to return a session ID, formatted like mobile-1234567890-abc123. It's like sending out a request for a meeting room.
```
const sessionId = await requestDesktopSession({...}); // Returns: mobile-1234567890-abc123
```
Convex creates mobile session (packages/convex/convex/claude.ts:251-288)
- Now, Convex, our database, swings into action. It creates a session with a unique ID, following the mobile-${Date.now()}-${Math.random().toString(36).substring(2)} pattern. This ensures each mobile-initiated session has its own identifier. Think of it as assigning a temporary meeting room number.
```
const sessionId = `mobile-${Date.now()}-${Math.random().toString(36).substring(2)}`;
await ctx.db.insert("claudeSessions", {
  sessionId,           // mobile-123-abc format
  status: "active",
  createdBy: "mobile"
});
```
- The session is initially marked as "active" and tagged as "created by: mobile". So far, so good.
Desktop processes mobile session (apps/desktop/src/hooks/useMobileSessionSync.ts:110-122)
- The desktop application steps in to process the mobile session. It invokes a function called create_session, passing along some project-related information. This is like the meeting organizer arriving and setting up the room.
```
const result = await invoke("create_session", {projectPath});
const localSessionId = result.data;  // NEW UUID: a1b2c3d4-e5f6-...
```
- The crucial part here is that the create_session function returns a new UUID (a1b2c3d4-e5f6-...). This is where the plot thickens! We're getting a new session ID, distinct from the mobile session ID. It's like assigning a completely different meeting room.
Desktop creates SECOND session (useMobileSessionSync.ts:144-153)
- Uh oh, here's the culprit! The desktop application, using the new UUID, creates a second session in the database. This is the key moment where the duplication happens. It's like booking a second meeting room, even though we already have one.
```
await createConvexSession({
  sessionId: localSessionId,  // Desktop UUID, different from mobile ID
  createdBy: "desktop",
  // Original mobile session stored only in metadata
});
```
- This new session is marked as "created by: desktop". The original mobile session ID is stored in the metadata, which is good for tracking but doesn't prevent the duplication.
Original mobile session marked processed (useMobileSessionSync.ts:171-174)
- To add to the confusion, the original mobile session is now marked as "processed". It's like marking the first meeting room as closed, even though the meeting is still happening in the second room.
```
await markMobileSessionProcessed({
  mobileSessionId: mobileSession.sessionId  // Changes mobile session to "processed"
});
```
Mobile redirects to wrong session (ClaudeCodeMobile.tsx:106-111)
- Finally, the mobile app, still holding onto the original mobile session ID, redirects the user to that session. This is the final nail in the coffin. The user ends up in the empty, "processed" session, wondering where all the action is.
```
setSelectedSessionId(sessionId);  // Uses original mobile session ID (empty)
```

In a nutshell, the session creation flow is like a relay race where the baton gets dropped. The mobile app starts the race, but the desktop app creates a new session, leaving the mobile app with the wrong baton (the original session ID).

Technical Details: Diving into the Database

To solidify our understanding, let's peek into the database and see what's happening behind the scenes. This is like looking at the blueprints of the building to understand its structure.

Database State After One Chat

After a single chat initiated from mobile, the claudeSessions table in our Convex database looks something like this:

claudeSessions:
1.  { sessionId: "mobile-1737937556-abc123", status: "processed", createdBy: "mobile", messages: [] }
2.  { sessionId: "a1b2c3d4-e5f6-7890-1234", status: "active", createdBy: "desktop", messages: [all responses] }

See the duplication? We have two sessions: one mobile session, marked as "processed" and empty, and one desktop session, marked as "active" and containing all the messages.

Message Persistence Flow

The message persistence flow further clarifies the issue. Claude's responses are streamed to the desktop UUID session (a1b2c3d4-…). Meanwhile, the mobile app queries the mobile session (mobile-123-abc). Since the messages are in the desktop session, the mobile session remains empty. It's like sending mail to the wrong address – it's not going to reach the intended recipient.

In Conclusion

The root cause analysis reveals a clear picture: the desktop application's creation of a second session, combined with the mobile app's redirection to the original session ID, is the culprit behind the duplicate session issue. We've identified the gremlin in the machine!

Potential Solutions: Charting a Course to Fix the Issue

Okay, team, now that we've thoroughly investigated the problem, let's brainstorm some potential solutions. It's like we've diagnosed the illness; now we need to figure out the best treatment plan. There are several ways we could tackle this, each with its own pros and cons.

Option 1: Single Session Architecture

The first option is to embrace a single session architecture. This is the most direct approach, like cutting the Gordian knot. Instead of creating a new desktop session, we would:

Not create a new desktop session: This is the core of this approach. We eliminate the duplication at its source.
Use the mobile session ID directly for Claude Code: The desktop application would work with the existing mobile session ID. It's like everyone agreeing to meet in the same room from the start.

This approach has the advantage of simplicity. By sticking to a single session, we avoid the complexities of managing two sessions and the risk of inconsistencies. It's a cleaner, more streamlined approach. However, it might require significant changes in how the desktop application handles sessions. We need to ensure that the desktop application can seamlessly work with the mobile session ID without any hiccups.

Option 2: Session ID Return Mapping

Our second option involves session ID return mapping. This is a more communicative approach, like setting up a clear line of communication between the mobile and desktop applications. The idea is:

Desktop returns the new UUID session ID back to mobile: After creating the desktop session (with the UUID), the desktop application would send the new session ID back to the mobile application. It's like the desktop app saying, "Hey mobile, the meeting is in this room now!".
Mobile redirects to desktop session instead of mobile session: The mobile application, upon receiving the new UUID, would redirect the user to the desktop session. This ensures the user ends up in the correct session with all the messages. It's like updating the meeting room sign so everyone knows where to go.

This option has the advantage of maintaining the current session creation flow on the desktop side while ensuring the mobile user is directed to the correct session. However, it requires changes to the communication between the mobile and desktop applications. We need to establish a reliable mechanism for the desktop application to send the new session ID back to the mobile application. This might involve updating APIs or introducing new communication channels.

Option 3: Smart Redirect Logic

The third option is to implement smart redirect logic. This is a more intelligent approach, like having a smart navigation system that guides users to the right destination. The idea is:

Mobile finds the "active" desktop session linked to the mobile session: The mobile application would need to implement logic to find the "active" desktop session that's linked to the original mobile session. It's like the mobile app saying, "Let me figure out where the meeting is actually happening."
Use metadata.originalMobileSessionId to find the right session: We can leverage the metadata.originalMobileSessionId field, which stores the original mobile session ID in the desktop session. This field acts as a bridge between the two sessions. It's like using a special code to unlock the right meeting room.

This approach is more flexible and avoids major changes to the session creation flow. However, it adds complexity to the mobile application. We need to implement robust logic to find the correct desktop session, handling cases where the session might not exist or multiple desktop sessions might be linked to the same mobile session. This might involve complex database queries and error handling.

Choosing the Best Path

Each of these options has its merits and drawbacks. The best approach will depend on various factors, such as the complexity of implementation, the potential impact on performance, and the overall architecture of our application. We need to carefully weigh these factors and choose the solution that provides the best balance between effectiveness and efficiency.

Files Involved: Mapping the Territory

To successfully implement any of these solutions, we need to know the lay of the land. Which files are involved? Where do we need to make changes? This is like having a map of the city before starting a journey.

Here's a list of the key files involved in this issue:

apps/mobile/components/ClaudeCodeMobile.tsx - This file is responsible for mobile session creation and redirect. It's where the mobile application initiates the session creation process and redirects the user to the session view.
packages/convex/convex/claude.ts - This file handles requestDesktopSession and session management on the server side. It's where the server-side logic for creating and managing sessions resides.
apps/desktop/src/hooks/useMobileSessionSync.ts - This file is crucial for desktop session processing. It's where the desktop application processes mobile sessions and creates the second session.
packages/convex/convex/schema.ts - This file defines the session schema. It's where the structure of the claudeSessions table is defined.

Understanding the role of each of these files is essential for implementing the chosen solution effectively. It's like knowing the key ingredients in a recipe – you need to know what each ingredient does to bake a perfect cake.

Expected Behavior: The Promised Land

Before we start implementing any changes, let's clearly define the expected behavior. What do we want the user experience to be? What does a successful resolution of this issue look like? It's like setting a destination before starting a journey.

Here's what we're aiming for:

✅ Mobile user creates chat → Gets redirected to session with Claude's responses: This is the most crucial requirement. Users should be seamlessly directed to the correct session where they can see Claude's responses.

✅ One session per chat in database, not two: We want to eliminate the duplicate sessions and maintain a clean database.

✅ Session shows "active" status with complete conversation history: The session should be marked as "active" and contain the entire conversation history, ensuring users have a complete view of their interactions.

These expected behaviors are our guiding stars. They define what success looks like and will help us validate our solutions.

Current Issues: The Roadblocks

To further clarify the problem, let's reiterate the current issues. What are the roadblocks preventing us from reaching our destination? It's like identifying the obstacles on a hiking trail before starting the climb.

Here's a summary of the current issues:

❌ Mobile user sees empty session with no Claude responses: This is the primary user-facing issue. Users are being redirected to empty sessions, leading to a frustrating experience.

❌ Two sessions per chat cluttering the database: The duplicate sessions clutter our database and add unnecessary complexity.

❌ Confusing UX where active sessions aren't the ones users interact with: The mismatch between active sessions and the sessions users are directed to creates a confusing user experience.

Addressing these issues is the core of our mission. They are the problems we need to solve to deliver a seamless and efficient chat application.

Priority: The Urgency of the Matter

Finally, let's talk about priority. How important is it to fix this issue? What's the urgency? It's like deciding how quickly we need to reach our destination.

High - This breaks the core mobile user experience where users can't see Claude's responses after creating a session.

This issue is a high priority because it directly impacts the core user experience on mobile. Users can't see Claude's responses, which is a fundamental feature of our application. This can lead to user frustration, dissatisfaction, and potentially churn. We need to address this issue promptly to ensure a positive user experience.

Related to PR #1185 (message persistence) - while messages now persist correctly, they're persisting to the wrong session from mobile user's perspective.

It's also worth noting that this issue is related to PR #1185, which focused on message persistence. While that PR ensured that messages are persisted correctly, they are being persisted to the wrong session from the mobile user's perspective. This highlights the interconnectedness of our systems and the importance of addressing this issue holistically.

By understanding the priority, we can allocate our resources effectively and ensure that we're focusing on the most critical issues first. In this case, resolving the duplicate session issue is paramount to delivering a seamless and satisfying user experience.

Alright, guys, we've dissected the problem, explored potential solutions, and mapped out our course of action. Now it's time to roll up our sleeves and get to work! Let's fix this duplicate session issue and make our chat application shine!