Data Consistency – Detailed Explanation
Definition:
Data consistency refers to the accuracy and uniformity of data across different storage locations,
systems, or databases. It ensures that data remains correct, valid, and unchanged during read/write
operations, replication, or transfer.
Importance of Data Consistency:
• Prevents data corruption or mismatches.
• Maintains integrity across distributed systems.
• Essential for database reliability and transactional systems.
• Ensures users and applications always see the same version of the data.
Types of Data Consistency:
1. Strong Consistency
o Guarantees that every read receives the most recent write.
o Common in centralized systems.
o Example: Banking systems (balances must always be accurate).
2. Eventual Consistency
o Data updates propagate gradually, and all nodes will eventually become consistent.
o Used in distributed systems like NoSQL databases.
o Example: Amazon DynamoDB, where immediate accuracy is not critical.
3. Causal Consistency
o Ensures that causally related operations are seen in the same order.
o Balances performance with some level of consistency.
4. Weak Consistency
o No guarantees about when updates will be seen.
o Fast and efficient, but suitable only for non-critical data.
Data Consistency in Storage Systems:
• File Systems: Use journaling to ensure consistency after crashes.
• Databases: Use ACID properties:
o Atomicity
o Consistency
o Isolation
o Durability
• RAID Systems: Ensure parity and mirroring are consistent across disks.
• Replication Systems: Ensure data copies remain synchronized across servers.
Techniques to Maintain Data Consistency:
• Locking mechanisms (pessimistic or optimistic)
• Timestamps and versioning
• Checksums and data validation
• Two-phase commit protocols
• Conflict resolution strategies (in eventual consistency systems)