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SQL Server: Difference Between Locking, Blocking and Dead Locking

LOCKING occurs when a connection needs access to data in the database and SQL Server manages access between multiple connections similarly to locking a space in a garage when parking. BLOCKING occurs when two connections need concurrent access to the same data and one connection is prevented from accessing it until the other is finished, analogous to one car stopping at a traffic signal while another uses the crossing area. DEADLOCK occurs when two connections are each waiting for the other to release a lock, like two cars at a signal each waiting for the other to clear the crossing.

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54 views

SQL Server: Difference Between Locking, Blocking and Dead Locking

LOCKING occurs when a connection needs access to data in the database and SQL Server manages access between multiple connections similarly to locking a space in a garage when parking. BLOCKING occurs when two connections need concurrent access to the same data and one connection is prevented from accessing it until the other is finished, analogous to one car stopping at a traffic signal while another uses the crossing area. DEADLOCK occurs when two connections are each waiting for the other to release a lock, like two cars at a signal each waiting for the other to clear the crossing.

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lavanya ya
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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SQL Server: Difference Between Locking, Blocking and Dead Locking

Like ever, today’s article of Pinal Dave was interesting and informative. After, our mutual
discussion between our DBAs and Developers on Pinal Dave topic of Concurrency and
Isolation. I felt that most of us are intermingling three equally sounding words. Those are
LOCKING, BLOCKING and DEAD LOCKING.

Lets try to revisit these concepts with some simple analogies.

LOCKING occurs when connection needs access to a piece of data in database and it’s
necessary for SQL Server when managing multiple connections. Just assume an example of
your garage, when you park your car in garage, basically you are locking the place of
garage.

BLOCKING occurs when two connections need access to same piece of data concurrently
and one connection is blocked because at a particular time, only one connection can have
access. Just like, you stop (block) your car on a traffic signal because some other car or
cars are using the crossing area.
DEAD LOCK occurs when one connection is blocked and waiting for a second to complete his
work, but on other side, second connection is also waiting for first connection to release the
lock. Just like, you need to cross the signal area but same time someone else from opposite
side also want to cross the signal. Now, you need a way which other is holding and other
need way where your car is.

That is why, one should be clear that locking is integral part of SQL Server to handle
concurrency, blocking is bad when one connection/transaction is waiting unnecessary for a
long time, and deadlocking is a phenomenon which should never occur.

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