This content has been automatically translated from Ukrainian.
Atomic transaction - is a set of actions performed on a database to change its state. For example, deleting a row, updating a field value, or creating a new record are all operations that can be part of a transaction. However, atomic transactions have a special property - they are indivisible (executed as a single block, if started, they must be completed, without the possibility of intervention or division into parts).
This means that if one part of the transaction cannot be executed (for example, due to an error or system failure), then all changes made within that transaction are rolled back, and the database returns to its previous state. This helps to avoid data inconsistency and ensures their integrity.
Atomic transactions are especially useful in situations where multiple operations need to be performed on a database, and these operations must either all be executed together or not executed at all. For example, if we are developing a payment system, it is important that withdrawing money from one account and crediting it to another happens together; otherwise, there may be issues with the integrity of financial data.
That is, if an error occurs somewhere in the middle of the money transfer process from one account - we cannot just cancel the sending. In this case, the funds will be returned to the sender, and the recipient may also receive the money that appeared due to the error (and the absence of an atomic transaction for this action).
In general, atomic transactions are an important tool for ensuring the integrity and consistency of data both in databases and in software (they are widely used in financial and cryptocurrency processes). They help to avoid drawbacks associated with possible errors or failures in the system and ensure proper data handling in all usage scenarios.
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