What is the difference between locking and versioning?

Can you explain the difference between locking and versioning in databases?

Sure! Locking is a mechanism to prevent multiple transactions from accessing the same data simultaneously, while versioning allows multiple versions of data to exist, enabling users to access different states of the data.

Why would I choose versioning over locking?

Versioning is often preferred in scenarios where you need to maintain historical data or allow concurrent access without conflicts, making it more flexible for collaborative environments.

Are there any downsides to using versioning?

Yes, versioning can lead to increased storage requirements and complexity in managing multiple data states, which might not be ideal for all applications.

Can you give an example of when to use locking?

Locking is useful in high-stakes transactions, like banking, where data integrity is critical, and you want to ensure that no other transactions can interfere until the current one is complete.