Coordinating Updates across Databases with Distributed Transactions

Distributed Transactions

Write a SQL script to demonstrate a distributed transaction using MSDTC (Microsoft Distributed Transaction Coordinator).

Solution:

BEGIN DISTRIBUTED TRANSACTION;

-- Update data in the local database.
UPDATE LocalDB.dbo.Customers SET Status = 'Active' WHERE CustomerID = 1;

-- Update data in the remote database.
UPDATE RemoteDB.dbo.Orders SET Status = 'Shipped' WHERE OrderID = 101;

COMMIT TRANSACTION;

Explanation:

• Purpose of the Query :
• The goal is to demonstrate how distributed transactions coordinate updates across multiple databases.
• Key Components :
• BEGIN DISTRIBUTED TRANSACTION: Starts a distributed transaction.
• Requires MSDTC (Microsoft Distributed Transaction Coordinator).
• Why use Distributed Transactions? :
• Ensures atomicity across multiple databases or systems.
• Real-World Application :
• Useful in enterprise systems integrating multiple data sources.

Additional Notes:

• Distributed transactions require coordination between multiple databases or systems, often using MSDTC (Microsoft Distributed Transaction Coordinator).
• Ensure that MSDTC is properly configured and enabled on all participating servers.
• Distributed transactions can introduce latency and complexity, so use them sparingly and only when necessary.

For more Practice: Solve these Related Problems:

• Write a SQL query to coordinate updates across multiple databases using a distributed transaction with MSDTC.
• Write a SQL query to test the atomicity of a distributed transaction involving updates in a local and remote database.
• Write a SQL query to configure and enable MSDTC on all participating servers for a distributed transaction.
• Write a SQL query to observe the latency and complexity introduced by a distributed transaction in an enterprise system.

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Previous SQL Exercise: Monitoring Transactions.