Read–write conflict

In computer science, in the field of databases, read–write conflict, also known as unrepeatable reads, is a computational anomaly associated with interleaved execution of transactions. A read-write conflict occurs when a transaction needs to lock an object (to read or write it) both before and after another transaction writes it.

Given a schedule S

[math]\displaystyle{ S = \begin{bmatrix} T1 & T2 \\ R(A) & \\ & R(A) \\ & W(A)\\ & Com. \\ R(A) & \\ W(A) & \\ Com. & \end{bmatrix} }[/math]

In this example, T1 has read the original value of A, and is waiting for T2 to finish. T2 also reads the original value of A, overwrites A, and commits.

However, when T1 reads from A, it discovers two different versions of A, and T1 would be forced to abort, because T1 would not know what to do. This is an unrepeatable read. This could never occur in a serial schedule, in which each transaction executes in its entirety before another begins. Strict two-phase locking (Strict 2PL) or Serializable Snapshot Isolation (SSI) prevent this conflict.

Real-world example

Alice and Bob are using a website to book tickets for a specific show. Only one ticket is left for the specific show. Alice signs on first to see that only one ticket is left, and finds it expensive. Alice takes time to decide. Bob signs on and also finds one ticket left, and orders it instantly. Bob purchases and logs off. Alice decides to buy a ticket, to find there are no tickets. This is a typical read-write conflict situation.

Read–write conflict

Real-world example

See also