Which combination correctly starts a transaction and then commits it?

• A. ROLLBACK; COMMIT;
• B. START TRANSACTION; COMMIT;
• C. START TRAN; COMMIT;
• D. START TRANSACTION; COMMIT;

Answer: (D)

A transaction must be started before any changes are made, and then finished with a commit to make those changes permanent. The correct pattern uses a start command to begin the transaction, followed by a commit. Starting with a rollback would undo any changes rather than begin a new transaction, so it isn’t the right way to initiate. Some databases accept a shortened form like START TRAN, but the clear, portable form is START TRANSACTION followed by COMMIT. This sequence ensures all included statements are treated as a single unit that either fully applies when committed or has no effect if rolled back.