Locking users?

drag0n

Hey guys, Im having a bit of code logic problem right now; See.. I have a feature which allows my users to trade credits, however since I have so many people using the site that at a certain moment, one of the reciving users may get double sent to them since they are happening in such a short time. Since I can only credit them after the sending members completes a set of tasks, during those times, someone else may be doing those same tasks for the same receving member, so they could be both sending credits to one user which only should get 1 credit.
Im thinking about putting a lock on the receiving user once the sender starts to do the tasks, but... then what if that member quits in the middle of those tasks and the receiver would still be locked...
What should I do? Thanks!

Weedpacket

I presume you're handling these credits in a database. Have a look into the DBMS's facilities for locking, and transactions; then the database wouldn't be in an inconsistent state when a connection wants to alter it.

drag0n

Right, I am handling it in a DB. Im using MySQL... they have facilities for managing transactions? Is that basically what Im doing?
Thanks.

drag0n

I looked into this transactions thing, but its pretty confusing. Anyway someone could give me an example of doing soemthign similar to mine? Not exact coding, just like the steps itll work out.

drag0n

Actually, reading about iut, it doesnt seem to fit my needs, since its a bit too complciated. Anything else that can help me? Thanks!

maxpup979

using DB transactions are going to be much easier than trying to code your own locking mechanisms....