Locking Mechanisms

Locking mechanisms in computing are protocols that coordinate access to shared resources, such as databases or files, to prevent conflicts or data corruption. When multiple processes try to access or modify the same resource simultaneously, locks ensure only one process can do so at a time. Think of it like a cashier’s lock on a cash register, preventing others from opening it while in use. Locks can be temporary (locking during a process) or persistent, and proper management avoids issues like deadlocks (where processes wait indefinitely) and ensures data integrity across systems.