What are deadlocks and how do they affect database performance?

What are deadlocks and how do they affect database performance?

Deadlocks occur when two or more transactions are waiting for each other to release locks, causing a standstill. This can severely impact database performance by increasing wait times and reducing throughput.

Can you explain how to detect deadlocks in a database?

Deadlocks can be detected using various methods, such as monitoring transaction logs, using database management tools, or implementing timeout mechanisms that identify when a transaction has been waiting too long.

What are some strategies to prevent deadlocks?

To prevent deadlocks, you can implement strategies like acquiring locks in a consistent order, using lower isolation levels, and keeping transactions short to minimize lock duration.

How do deadlocks differ from timeouts?

Deadlocks involve two or more transactions waiting indefinitely for each other, while timeouts occur when a transaction waits too long and is aborted to free up resources.