What are the benefits of optimistic locking in databases?

What are the benefits of optimistic locking in databases?

Optimistic locking helps prevent lost updates and improves concurrency by allowing multiple transactions to proceed without locking resources.

Can you explain how it differs from pessimistic locking?

Sure! Pessimistic locking locks resources for the duration of a transaction, while optimistic locking allows transactions to proceed and checks for conflicts before committing.

What are some scenarios where optimistic locking is preferred?

It's preferred in high-concurrency environments where conflicts are rare, such as web applications with many users accessing data simultaneously.

Are there any downsides to using optimistic locking?

Yes, if conflicts occur frequently, it can lead to increased transaction retries and reduced performance.

How can I implement optimistic locking in my application?

You can implement it by adding a version number or timestamp to your records and checking it before updates.