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Questions and Answers
What is the main role of a transaction in a database application?
What is the main role of a transaction in a database application?
Why might temporary inconsistency be introduced during a transaction's execution?
Why might temporary inconsistency be introduced during a transaction's execution?
What is ensured if a transaction successfully terminates after starting with a consistent database?
What is ensured if a transaction successfully terminates after starting with a consistent database?
What defines the concept of atomicity in the context of transactions?
What defines the concept of atomicity in the context of transactions?
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What potential problem can arise from allowing temporary inconsistency during a transaction?
What potential problem can arise from allowing temporary inconsistency during a transaction?
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Study Notes
Definition of Transaction
- A transaction encompasses a collection of operations serving a single logical function within a database application.
- Each transaction is defined by two core properties: atomicity and consistency.
Atomicity and Consistency
- Atomicity guarantees that all operations within a transaction are completed successfully; if not, the transaction is aborted, ensuring no partial updates.
- Consistency ensures that transactions do not breach any predefined database constraints, maintaining the integrity of the database.
Transaction Lifecycle
- A database must remain consistent after the completion of a transaction, meaning if it was consistent at the start, it must be consistent upon successful termination.
- Transactions may allow for temporary inconsistency during execution, particularly when operations are interdependent (e.g., debiting account A and crediting account B).
Risks of Temporary Inconsistency
- Allowing temporary inconsistencies is sometimes necessary for operational efficiency but introduces risks.
- If a failure occurs during a transaction's execution while in a temporary inconsistent state, it can complicate the recovery process and impact database integrity.
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Description
This quiz covers the essential concepts related to database transactions, including their operations, atomicity, and consistency. Learn how transactions ensure database integrity and maintain consistency constraints. Test your knowledge on the fundamental principles governing transactions in database applications.