torn write

English

Etymology

So called because the full write process is "cut off" before fully completing, thus being "torn".

Noun

torn write (plural torn writes)

1. (computing) A write operation, such as to a hard disk drive or database, which only partially completes, being cut off midway through.

   Our server lost power in the middle of a non-atomic transaction, so we ended up with a torn write.

   A torn write can leave a system in an inconsistent state.