ACID in Databases: The Fundamentals You Need to Know

ACID is a set of properties that define the reliability of transactions in a database. This article gives a quick summary of these properties and their role in ensuring that databases function correctly, even when unexpected events occur.

ACID Properties

Atomicity, in MySQL, you can control transaction integrity using COMMIT and ROLLBACK. These commands ensure that all parts of a transaction are completed together, or none at all.

Consistency, MySQL's logging system tracks all changes to maintain consistency, allowing databases to recover from failures without losing data integrity.

Isolation, MySQL employs row-level locking to keep transactions separate, preventing conflicts when multiple transactions are processed simultaneously.

Durability, Durability is maintained by MySQL's logs, which safeguard data changes, ensuring that once committed, they persist even through system crashes.

FAQ

What does ACID stand for?
ACID stands for Atomicity, Consistency, Isolation, and Durability properties that ensure reliable transactions in a database.

Why is ACID necessary?
ACID properties prevent data corruption and ensure that transactions are processed reliably, even in the event of an error.

How does MySQL ensure these properties?
MySQL uses transaction commands and logging to implement ACID, providing robust data integrity.

What’s the alternative to ACID?
The alternative is BASE, used in some NoSQL databases, which prioritizes availability and eventual consistency over strict transaction integrity.

Conclusion

ACID properties are essential for maintaining the integrity and reliability of database transactions. For an in-depth look, check out the article ACID in Database Systems: All You Need to Know.