How does file locking prevent data corruption?

What is file locking and how does it work?

File locking is a mechanism that restricts access to a file by multiple processes. It ensures that only one process can modify the file at a time, preventing data corruption.

Can you explain how it prevents data corruption?

Sure! When a file is locked, other processes are prevented from writing to it until the lock is released. This ensures that changes are made in a controlled manner, avoiding conflicts and corruption.

Are there different types of file locks?

Yes, there are mainly two types: exclusive locks, which prevent any other access, and shared locks, which allow multiple processes to read but not write.

What happens if a process crashes while holding a lock?

If a process crashes, the lock may not be released automatically, which can lead to access issues. Most systems have mechanisms to detect stale locks and release them after a timeout.