Locking Protocols

Locking protocols are rules used in computer systems to manage access to shared resources, ensuring that multiple users or processes can work safely without interfering with each other. When one user is using a resource, a "lock" is applied, preventing others from accessing it until the lock is released. This helps avoid conflicts and ensures data integrity. There are various types of locking, such as exclusive locks (only one user can access) and shared locks (multiple users can read but not write). These protocols are essential for maintaining order in databases and multi-user environments.