A system can exist in a transient operational mode where its configuration or data are not yet permanently stored or finalized. For example, a database transaction might involve multiple changes before being explicitly saved, or a device might be undergoing a firmware update that requires a reboot to take effect. In such situations, the system’s current state is volatile and subject to change or reversion. Consider a programmable logic controller (PLC) receiving new control parameters; until these parameters are written to non-volatile memory, the PLC remains in an intermediate, unconfirmed state.
This impermanent operational phase provides flexibility and resilience. It allows for adjustments and corrections before changes become permanent, safeguarding against unintended consequences. Rollback mechanisms, allowing reversion to previous stable states, rely on the existence of this intermediate phase. Historically, the ability to stage changes before finalization has been crucial in complex systems, especially where errors could have significant repercussions. Think of the development of fault-tolerant computing and the role of temporary registers in safeguarding data integrity.
