How To Mutex Across a Network?

Question

I have a desktop application that runs on a network and every instance connects to the same database.

So, in this situation, how can I implement a mutex that works across all running instances that are connected to the same database?

In other words, I don't wan't that two+ instances to run the same function at the same time. If one is already running the function, the other instances shouldn't have access to it.

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PS: Database transaction won't solve, because the function I wan't to mutex doesn't use the database. I've mentioned the database just because it can be used to exchange information across the running instances.

PS2: The function takes about ~30 minutes to complete, so if a second instance tries to run the same function I would like to display a nice message that it can't be performed right now because computer 'X' is already running that function.

PS3: The function has to be processed on the client machine, so I can't use stored procedures.

Answer 1

I think you're looking for a database transaction. A transaction will isolate your changes from all other clients.

Update: You mentioned that the function doesn't currently write to the database. If you want to mutex this function, there will have to be some central location to store the current mutex holder. The database can work for this -- just add a new table that includes the computername of the current holder. Check that table before starting your function.

I think your question may be confusion though. Mutexes should be about protecting resources. If your function is not accessing the database, then what shared resource are you protecting?