- It’s a “one set” processing unit.
- It’s a series of events that cannot be divided
- It often comes up when talking about databases.
What is a transaction ?
A unit of processing that is a set from here to here, such as “delivering a product and receiving payment.”
A “transaction” refers to a unit of processing that is treated as a complete set from start to finish. In other words, it’s a “here to here” unit. This concept is often used in the context of databases, but you can also see it in many everyday situations.
Example of a Transaction
Let’s consider a bank deposit as an example. To complete a deposit, you need to follow these steps:
- Go to the bank counter
- Specify the amount to deposit
- Hand over the money and receive a receipt
All three of these steps must be completed to successfully finalize the deposit. If any one of these steps is missing, the deposit is not considered complete. Therefore, this entire process is a “transaction.”
Transactions Are Not Just for Databases
The concept of a transaction is not limited to databases; it appears in many everyday scenarios. For example, consider ordering at a café:
- Place your order
- Pay for the order
- Receive your food or drink
These three steps must be completed for the transaction to be considered finished. Missing any one step means the transaction isn’t complete. This is another example of a “transaction.”
Summary
When you hear the term “transaction,” think of it as a unit of processing that involves a sequence of steps from start to finish. Understanding this concept can help make database operations and everyday tasks clearer and more manageable.