What are SQL locking mechanisms and how do they work?

What are SQL locking mechanisms and how do they work?

SQL locking mechanisms are techniques used to control access to data in a database to prevent conflicts. They ensure that multiple transactions can occur without interfering with each other.

Can you explain the different types of locks in SQL?

Sure! The main types of locks in SQL are shared locks, exclusive locks, and update locks. Shared locks allow multiple transactions to read data, while exclusive locks prevent other transactions from accessing the data until the lock is released.

What happens if a transaction is waiting for a lock?

If a transaction is waiting for a lock, it will be placed in a waiting state until the lock is released. This can lead to potential deadlocks if two transactions are waiting on each other.

How can I avoid deadlocks in my SQL transactions?

To avoid deadlocks, you can ensure that transactions acquire locks in a consistent order, keep transactions short, and use timeout settings to abort transactions that wait too long.