Locking Protocol

A locking protocol is a set of rules used in computer systems to manage how multiple users or processes access shared data simultaneously. Its goal is to prevent conflicts or inconsistencies by ensuring that only one process can modify a piece of data at a time. Think of it like a key system: when a process needs to update data, it "locks" it by holding a key, preventing others from making changes. Once done, it "unlocks" so others can access it. This coordination keeps data accurate and consistent in multi-user environments.