Resolving Timeout Error in Node.js with MariaDB Connection Pool

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don't worry! This is a common problem, and in this guide, we'll explore the reason behind these timeout errors and how to effectively troubleshoot and resolve them.

Why Does This Error Occur?

Improper Configuration: If your connection details (like host, user, password, etc.) are not correctly set, your application will fail to connect to the database, resulting in a timeout error.

Missing Environment Variables: If you are using environment variables to store connection details, and the dotenv configuration is not properly set up, your app will not have the necessary information to connect.

Errors in Code Structure: Sometimes, if there are issues in how you've set up your code, such as module exports, this can lead to connection issues.

Solution: Fixing the Timeout Error

When I faced this problem, the root cause was simple yet easy to overlook. Here's how I resolved the issue:

Step 1: Check for Necessary Imports

The first step to troubleshoot is to ensure that you have all the necessary imports in your connection file. Specifically, you might need to import dotenv to load environment variables:

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Step 2: Review Your Configuration

Next, ensure that the details for connecting to your MariaDB database are correctly specified. Your createPool function should look like this:

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Step 3: Ensure Environment Variables are Correctly Loaded

Make sure that the environment variables for your database connection are properly defined in a .env file. Example of what your .env file should contain:

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Step 4: Test the Connection

After making these changes, try running your application again. If everything is correctly configured, you should no longer face the timeout error. If the issue persists, check the following:

Are there any typos in your environment variable names?

Are the database services running and accepting connections on the host and port specified?

Conclusion

If you encounter an error similar to the one described, remember to check all parts of your code! Happy coding!