What are the advantages of optimistic vs pessimistic locking?

What are the advantages of optimistic vs pessimistic locking?

Optimistic locking allows multiple transactions to proceed without locking resources, reducing wait times. Pessimistic locking, on the other hand, locks resources to prevent conflicts, ensuring data integrity.

Can you give me an example of when to use optimistic locking?

Sure! Optimistic locking is ideal in scenarios with low contention, like a web application where users rarely edit the same data simultaneously.

What about pessimistic locking? When should I use that?

Pessimistic locking is best used in high contention scenarios, such as banking systems, where data integrity is critical and conflicts are likely.

Are there any downsides to either approach?

Yes, optimistic locking can lead to increased retries if conflicts occur, while pessimistic locking can cause delays due to resource locking.

How do I choose between the two?

Consider the nature of your application: use optimistic locking for low contention and performance, and pessimistic locking for high contention and data integrity.