What is the difference between atomicity and consistency in databases?

What is the difference between atomicity and consistency in databases?

Atomicity ensures that a series of operations are completed fully or not at all, while consistency ensures that a database remains in a valid state after transactions.

Can you give an example of atomicity in action?

Sure! Imagine a bank transfer: either the money is deducted from one account and added to another, or neither happens.

And how does consistency play a role in that example?

Consistency ensures that after the transfer, both accounts reflect the correct balances, maintaining the integrity of the database.

What happens if atomicity is not maintained?

If atomicity is not maintained, you could end up with money deducted from one account without it being added to another, leading to inconsistencies.

Are there any database systems that prioritize one over the other?

Yes, some NoSQL databases may prioritize availability over strict consistency, while traditional RDBMS often emphasize both.