What are the differences between atomic and non-atomic transactions in Django?

What are the differences between atomic and non-atomic transactions in Django?

In Django, atomic transactions ensure that a series of database operations are completed successfully as a single unit. If any operation fails, the entire transaction is rolled back. Non-atomic transactions, on the other hand, do not guarantee this level of integrity, meaning some operations may succeed while others fail.

Can you give me an example of when to use atomic transactions?

Sure! You should use atomic transactions when performing multiple related database operations, like transferring money between accounts. If one operation fails, you want to ensure that the other does not proceed.

What happens if I don't use atomic transactions?

If you don't use atomic transactions, you risk leaving your database in an inconsistent state. For example, if an operation fails midway, some changes may be applied while others are not, leading to data integrity issues.

Are there any performance implications of using atomic transactions?

Yes, using atomic transactions can introduce some overhead due to the need to manage the transaction state. However, the benefits of ensuring data integrity often outweigh the performance costs.