Typically, the Enterprise Database Server removes a set entry immediately after deletion. This holds the fine table locked until the transaction completes or is aborted. The results can cause unnecessary DEADLOCKs when multiple programs are deleting entries in the same or adjacent tables. When the NOFTLOCK option is set, fine tables are no longer locked during a delete option. Deleted set entries are not removed. An extra word is reserved in each key entry just before the AA word to hold the transtamp. In the meantime, any program that attempts to insert or lock a key related to the fine table will not have to wait for the program performing the deletion to exit transaction state.

This option is only available for XE Disjoint Index-Sequential Sets and is mutually exclusive with the DUPLICATE option. Deleted set entries are not physically removed. In order to physically remove entries, a garbage collection must be performed using either the Visible DBS GARBAGE COLLECT command or the Enterprise Database Server REORGANIZATION program. For additional information about online garbage collection or reorganization, refer the Enterprise Database Server Utilities Operations Guide.