What is an exclusive lock in database management?

Can you explain what an exclusive lock is in database management?

An exclusive lock is a type of lock that prevents other transactions from accessing the locked resource. It ensures that only one transaction can modify the data at a time.

Why would I use an exclusive lock instead of a shared lock?

You would use an exclusive lock when you need to ensure that no other transactions can read or write to the data while you're making changes, thus preventing data inconsistency.

What happens if two transactions try to acquire an exclusive lock on the same resource?

If two transactions attempt to acquire an exclusive lock on the same resource, one will succeed while the other will be blocked until the first transaction releases the lock.

Are there any downsides to using exclusive locks?

Yes, the main downside is that they can lead to decreased concurrency, as other transactions must wait for the lock to be released, potentially causing performance issues.