Databases & Data Storage
OLTP
Definition
Online Transaction Processing (OLTP) is a class of software programs capable of supporting transaction-oriented applications on the Internet. In OLTP, databases are read, written, and updated in real-time. These systems are designed for a large number of users conducting a large number of small transactions.
Why It Matters
OLTP systems are the workhorses of day-to-day business operations. They are optimized for fast read and write operations, ensuring that transactional data is processed quickly and reliably.
Contextual Example
An e-commerce website's database is an OLTP system. It handles thousands of concurrent transactions per second, such as creating new orders, updating inventory, and processing payments.
Common Misunderstandings
- OLTP databases are designed for speed and data integrity for transactional operations.
- They are contrasted with OLAP (Online Analytical Processing) systems, which are designed for complex analytical queries.