ACID vs. BASE: Simplifying Database Consistency Models

4 min readSep 4, 2024

Introduction

When working with databases, ensuring that data is accurate and reliable is very important.
Two important concepts that help us to achieve this are ACID and BASE.
These terms describe how databases handle transactions and how they make sure data is consistent and available.
ACID is often used in traditional databases, while BASE is common in newer, distributed databases like NoSQL.
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Let’s break these down in simple terms with examples to help you understand them better.

What is ACID?

I think this is the one of most common topic in database and everyone should have heard about this atleast once in their career.

ACID stands for Atomicity, Consistency, Isolation, and Durability.
These are the four key things that make sure transactions in a database are reliable.
Now let’s decode each terms in simpler language with examples:-

Atomicity

Atomicity means that a transaction is like an all-or-nothing deal. If something goes wrong during the transaction, the entire process is canceled, and the database goes back to the way it was before.
Example: Imagine you’re transferring money from your savings to your checking account. If the transfer fails halfway, atomicity ensures that the money isn’t taken out of your savings without being added to your checking.
Example: Imagine you’re tranferring money from your savings account to your friend account. If something goes wrong during the transfer, atomicity makes sure that either the money stays in your savings, or it moves to your friend account — there’s no chance of it just disappearing midway.

Consistency

Consistency makes sure that any transaction in the database stays in correct state before and after the transaction.
Example: If the total money in all accounts is 100Rs, it should still add up to 100Rs after any transaction, even if money is moved from one account to other accounts.

Isolation

Isolation makes sure that transactions are handled one at a time. The results of a transaction aren’t visible to others until it’s fully completed.
Example: If two people are trying to transfer money at the same time, isolation ensures that these transactions don’t interfare each other

Durability

Durability guarantees that once a transaction is done, the changes it made are saved permanently, even if the system crashes afterwards.
Example: After you’ve successfully transferred money, the changes are saved so that they don’t disappear even if the server goes down.

Now Let’s understand…..

What is BASE?

I recently learnt about this while working on the NoSQL database that BASE stands for Basically Available, Soft state, and Eventual consistency.

It’s a more tolerant and adaptable approach compared to ACID, it is often used in distributed databases in which system focuses on being fast and always available, even if the data is not consistent everywhere.

Basically Available

This means that the system ensures the data is available, even if it’s not the most up-to-date version.
Example: Let’s say you’re scrolling your instagram feeds and your friend uploaded any pic, it might be possible that you won’t see the pic instantly instead, you’ll be seeing post which are bit older and faster to query.

Soft State

Soft state means the system can change over time, even without direct updates. This is because data might take time to sync across all parts of a distributed system.
Example: If one server updates any data, it might take a few seconds to update at other places in the system. Think of Master db for writing and replica for read.

Eventual Consistency

Eventual consistency means that while the data might not be consistent immediately, it will eventually become consistent over time.
Example: When you post a comment on any instgram post, it might take a while for all your friends to see it, but eventually, everyone will see the same thing.

ACID vs. BASE: What is the Difference?

Consistency vs. Availability: ACID is all about keeping data consistent, while BASE focuses on making sure the system is always available, even if it means the data isn’t perfectly up-to-date.
Use Cases: ACID is great for situations where data accuracy is crucial, like in banking. BASE works better for systems that need to be fast and can handle a little delay in data accuracy, like any social media platform, youtube, etc..
Performance: ACID transactions can be slower because they have set of rules to follow, while BASE transactions are faster since they allow for more flexibility.

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