Database Transaction Not Rolled Back on Error
When an operation fails partway through, previous changes aren't rolled back. Database is left in inconsistent state with partial changes. For example: charge credit card but fail to record order = customer charged but no order created.
Transaction management exists but doesn't properly rollback on all error types.
Error Messages You Might See
Common Causes
- Exception thrown but not marked for rollback (@Transactional with wrong rollbackFor)
- Catching exception and suppressing it, transaction commits anyway
- Method not annotated with @Transactional, each query auto-commits
- Nested transaction not properly configured
- try-catch without re-throwing prevents rollback
How to Fix It
Use @Transactional(rollbackFor = Exception.class) on method. Don't catch exceptions you can't handle. If catching, log and re-throw. Use @Transactional at service layer. Test transactions by forcing failure mid-operation. Verify nothing persisted on failure. Check transaction logs to confirm rollbacks.
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Get HelpFrequently Asked Questions
How to ensure rollback on all errors?
@Transactional(rollbackFor = Exception.class). By default only rollbacks on unchecked exceptions. Checked exceptions don't trigger rollback unless specified.
Should exceptions be caught in transactional method?
No. Let them propagate so Spring framework can rollback. If must catch, re-throw after logging.
How to test transactions?
Insert data, force error mid-operation, verify nothing persisted. Check database: SELECT COUNT(*) should not increase.