What are the different locking strategies in database design?

What are the different locking strategies in database design?

Locking strategies in database design are methods used to control access to data in a database to prevent conflicts. Common strategies include optimistic locking, pessimistic locking, and row-level locking.

Can you explain optimistic and pessimistic locking in more detail?

Sure! Optimistic locking assumes that multiple transactions can complete without affecting each other. It checks for conflicts only at the time of committing. Pessimistic locking, on the other hand, locks the data as soon as a transaction starts, preventing other transactions from accessing it until the lock is released.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of each strategy?

Optimistic locking is more efficient in low-contention scenarios but can lead to rollbacks if conflicts occur. Pessimistic locking is safer in high-contention environments but can lead to performance bottlenecks due to waiting for locks.

When should I use each locking strategy?

Use optimistic locking when you expect low contention and want to maximize throughput. Use pessimistic locking in scenarios with high contention where data integrity is critical.