What is optimistic locking in web applications?

What is optimistic locking in web applications?

Optimistic locking is a concurrency control method used in web apps to prevent conflicts when multiple users edit the same data.

How does optimistic locking differ from pessimistic locking?

Unlike pessimistic locking, which locks data for exclusive access, optimistic locking allows multiple users to access data simultaneously, checking for conflicts only at the time of saving.

Can you give me an example of how optimistic locking works?

Sure! Imagine a user retrieves a record, makes changes, and tries to save it. If another user has also modified the record, the system will detect the conflict and prevent the save, prompting the first user to refresh and try again.

What are the advantages of using optimistic locking?

The main advantages include improved performance in high-concurrency environments and reduced chances of deadlocks, as it minimizes the time data is locked.

Are there any downsides to optimistic locking?

Yes, potential downsides include increased complexity in handling conflicts and the possibility of user frustration if they frequently encounter save errors.