Can you explain the ACID properties of a transaction?

Short answer: The ACID properties are critical to ensuring the reliability of transactions in a database: Atomicity: All operations within a transaction are executed completely or not at all.

Explain a bit more

Consistency: A transaction takes the database from one valid state to another, ensuring that all rules (constraints, triggers, etc.) are respected. Isolation: Transactions are isolated from one another, meaning intermediate steps of a transaction are invisible to others until the transaction is committed. Durability: Once a transaction is committed, the changes are permanent, even in the case of a system crash.

Real-world example (ShopNest)

Checkout wraps stock decrement + order insert in a transaction so you never sell stock you do not have.

Say this in the interview

1. Define — one clear sentence (the short answer above).
2. Example — relate it to a project like ShopNest or your real work.
3. Trade-off — when you would not use it.