When should I use the Serializable isolation level in databases?

What is the Serializable isolation level in databases?

The Serializable isolation level is the highest level of isolation in database transactions, ensuring complete isolation from other transactions.

When should I use the Serializable isolation level?

You should use it when you need to prevent phenomena like dirty reads, non-repeatable reads, and phantom reads, especially in critical financial applications.

Are there any downsides to using Serializable isolation?

Yes, it can lead to increased contention and reduced concurrency, which may impact performance in high-transaction environments.

Can you give an example of a scenario where Serializable is necessary?

Sure! In a banking system, when transferring funds between accounts, using Serializable ensures that no other transaction can interfere until the transfer is complete.