Have you ever wondered what happens behind the scenes in databases when dozens of transactions try to write to the same data cell simultaneously? It's like a big, shiny TV series with drama, rivalry, and sometimes unpredictable plot twists! Today I'll tell you how MariaDB and PostgreSQL detect and prevent conflicts in this epic performance, and how artificial intelligence (AI) comes to the rescue to mitigate the drama.
MariaDB and Galera: Certification or BDSM for Transactions
MariaDB ))), especially in multi-master configurations with Galera Cluster, has its own way of resolving conflicts—through... certification. No, this isn't a label in the data sheet, but a method whereby each transaction is tested for the uniqueness of its impact on data. If two transactions attempt to change the same piece of data, a dance of rollbacks ensues between the conflicting parties.
MariaDB loves to record peeks—with the special parameter wsrep_log_conflicts=ON, you can enable a log of dramatic clashes so you can later figure out who messed up and why. It's almost like a reality show with re-watching scandalous episodes.
PostgreSQL: Logical Replication and the Battle of Subscriptions
PostgreSQL is a more philosophical type. It builds its conflicts around the ideology of logical replication, where the publisher and subscriber negotiate over up-to-date data. Conflicts here aren't just a fight for data, but a veritable festival with a variety of roles: insert conflicts, update conflicts, and even "who's right" conflicts.
Conflict resolution is an art in itself. This is where various strategies come in handy: "last winner standing," "preserve the local hero," or "let the system decide for itself who's more important." You can even write your own rules using triggers and turn a conflict into a true fairy tale with a happy ending.
AI as a wise arbiter
Now imagine that artificial intelligence bursts into this conflict party—a kind of super detective that doesn't just detect problems, but predicts them before they arise. AI analyzes past conflict patterns, understands which transactions are most likely to clash, and advises the system on how to arrange them to avoid a fight.
This approach not only improves performance but also reduces transactional drama and rollbacks, making the database happier and more peaceful.
Conclusions with a smile
MariaDB tries to catch conflicts at the root and issues drama-fixing coupons through Galera logging.
PostgreSQL conducts a deep psychological analysis of conflicts with advanced logical replication and flexible configuration.
Artificial intelligence, like a wise mediator, predicts and prevents conflicts to prevent the database from turning into a gladiator's arena.
Ultimately, despite the seriousness of the topic, it can be said: databases are like a theater, where every actor (transaction) wants to play their part, and the DBMS's job is to prevent them from clashing. With AI, even the most complex scenes are played out without arguments or drama.
A little bit more:
1. MariaDB + Galera Cluster (Certification)
Main Idea
MariaDB with Galera Cluster is a multi-master setup, meaning any node can accept writes. But if two nodes try to update the same data cell at the same time, a conflict occurs.
How It Works
Galera uses certification-based replication.
A transaction executes on the local node.
Before changes are applied on other nodes, Galera certifies that there are no conflicts with already committed transactions.
If a conflict exists — one of the transactions rolls back to maintain data consistency.
Important Configuration Parameters
Parameter Value What It Does
wsrep_log_conflicts=ON ON Logs all conflicts (so you can analyze the “drama” later).
wsrep_retry_autocommit=3 3 attempts Automatically retries autocommit transactions if a conflict occurs.
wsrep_certify_nonPK=ON ON Certifies even changes to non-primary key columns.
💡 Story-style explanation:
Imagine transactions as actors on a stage. MariaDB with Galera is the director checking that no actor steps on another’s line. If two actors try to say the same line at the same time, one is “rolled back” and must perform their part later.
2. PostgreSQL (Logical Replication + Conflict Resolution)
Main Idea
PostgreSQL focuses on logical replication, where there is a publisher (sending changes) and a subscriber (receiving changes). Conflicts happen when data diverges between nodes.
How to Resolve Conflicts
PostgreSQL gives you strategies for conflict resolution:
Last winner standing – the latest change wins.
Preserve local hero – keep local data, discard conflicting remote changes.
Custom rules – you can define your own conflict-handling logic using triggers.
Example
Create a trigger resolve_conflict().
If a new insert or update conflicts with existing data, the trigger decides what to keep.
In the example, we return OLD to preserve the local version.
💡 Story-style explanation:
PostgreSQL is like a psychologist on a rehearsal. It analyzes each actor’s behavior and decides who gets on stage first. You can even write custom rules to make the story smoother or more exciting.
3. AI as a Mediator
Main Idea
AI acts as a super-detective, predicting conflicts before they occur and advising the system on the best way to schedule transactions.
How It Works
AI analyzes historical patterns of conflicts.
It predicts which transactions are most likely to clash.
It can reorder transactions or throttle them, reducing rollbacks and making the database “peaceful.”
💡 Story-style explanation:
Think of AI as a wise mediator on the set. It doesn’t just notice arguments; it anticipates them, suggesting which actor should speak first to avoid chaos, keeping the database theater running smoothly.
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