What is phantom read in a database?

Can you explain what a phantom read is in database transactions?

Sure! A phantom read occurs when a transaction reads a set of rows that match a certain condition, but another transaction inserts or deletes rows that affect that condition before the first transaction is completed.

How does it differ from dirty reads and non-repeatable reads?

Great question! Dirty reads allow a transaction to read uncommitted changes from another transaction. Non-repeatable reads occur when a row is changed by another transaction after it has been read. Phantom reads specifically involve changes to the set of rows that match a query.

What are the implications of phantom reads in a database?

Phantom reads can lead to inconsistent results in transactions, which can affect data integrity. It's important to manage isolation levels to prevent them.

How can I prevent phantom reads in my database?

You can prevent phantom reads by using higher isolation levels like Serializable, which ensures that no other transactions can insert or delete rows that would affect the current transaction's results.