Semab Tariq explains how optimistic locking works in PostgreSQL:
Concurrency control in databases ensures that multiple transactions can occur simultaneously without causing data errors. It’s essential because, without it, two people updating the same information at the same time could lead to incorrect or lost data. There are different ways to manage this, including optimistic locking and pessimistic locking. Optimistic locking assumes that conflicts are rare and only checks for them when updating data. In contrast, pessimistic locking assumes conflicts are likely and locks data early to prevent issues. Optimistic locking allows for more concurrent transactions and better performance in systems with fewer conflicts.
Read on to learn more about it, including some patterns for best use and what to avoid.