How does optimistic concurrency control compare to pessimistic?

Can you explain the difference between optimistic and pessimistic concurrency control?

Sure! Optimistic concurrency control assumes that conflicts are rare and allows transactions to proceed without locking resources. Pessimistic concurrency control, on the other hand, locks resources to prevent conflicts, assuming that they are likely.

What are the advantages of using optimistic concurrency control?

The main advantages include better performance in low-contention scenarios and reduced locking overhead, which can lead to higher throughput.

Are there any downsides to optimistic concurrency control?

Yes, if conflicts do occur, transactions may need to be rolled back and retried, which can lead to increased latency and resource usage.

In what situations would you recommend using pessimistic concurrency control?

Pessimistic concurrency control is recommended in high-contention environments where conflicts are frequent, as it helps maintain data integrity.