Lock timeout

Learn the lock wait timeout.

Lock timeout

A lock timeout limits how long to wait for a lock. On expiry it errors.

SET lock_timeout = '5s';

This query errors after 5 seconds.

Lock timeout — details

Lock timeout prevents infinite waiting. Long lock waits cancel the operation.

In PostgreSQL, SET lock_timeout = '5s' makes a transaction that waits longer than five seconds fail; the application can catch the error and inform the user.

Exercise Lock timeout

Set the lock timeout to 5 seconds with SET lock_timeout = '5s'.

Show example solution

SET lock_timeout = '5s';

Test yourself

Add lock_timeout

SET ____ = '5s';

Show answer

SET lock_timeout = '5s';

Lock timeout: match the terms

timeout

timeout
5s

duration
error

cancel
wait

limit
What does a lock timeout do?
- Runs a query
- Releases a lock
- Sets a time limit
- Adds an index
Show answer

Sets a time limit — A lock timeout sets a time limit.

Next lesson: Summary - Locking

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