# transaction log

CEFR C1 · Compound

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/transaction-log
Updated: 2026-07-22

## Definition

a digital record that lists every change or action made in a computer system or database. It helps experts fix problems or recover lost data by showing exactly what happened and when.

For teachers: a sequential record of all modifications made to a database or system, used primarily for data recovery and maintaining integrity. It ensures that in the event of a crash, incomplete operations can be rolled back or replayed to restore a consistent state.

## Examples

- The database administrator checked the transaction log to find the error.
- After the server crashed during the update, the IT team used the transaction log to restore the missing customer records.
- High-volume financial systems rely on synchronous transaction logs to ensure that every trade is permanently recorded before the user receives a confirmation, preventing data loss during hardware failures.

## Usage notes

- Commonly used in the context of database management and software engineering.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.