Concurrency control methods: Is the primary purpose of timestamp ordering to avoid the use of locks by ordering transactions based on timestamps rather than acquiring traditional data locks?

Introduction / Context:
Concurrency control can be pessimistic (locking) or optimistic (validation/timestamps). Timestamp ordering is an optimistic strategy that schedules conflicting operations based on transaction timestamps rather than locking data items preemptively.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Each transaction receives a unique timestamp at start.
• Read/write rules compare operation times against item timestamps (read_TS, write_TS).
• Goal is serializability without holding locks for long durations.

Concept / Approach:
Instead of locking, timestamp ordering validates whether an operation would violate the serial order implied by timestamps. If a conflict arises (for example, a late write following a newer read), the offending transaction aborts and restarts with a new timestamp. This avoids deadlocks common in locking systems and can improve throughput in low-contention workloads.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Analyze deadlock graphs: timestamp protocols show no cyclical waiting because they do not rely on blocking locks. Conflicts lead to aborts, not waits.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• “Incorrect” conflicts with the core goal of timestamp ordering.
• Limiting to a specific isolation level or platform misses the conceptual nature of the method.
• Claiming timestamps increase locking is the opposite of their purpose.

Common Pitfalls:
High abort rates under heavy contention; choosing between locking and timestamp approaches requires workload analysis. Hybrid schemes and MVCC can balance trade-offs.

Final Answer:
Correct