Correctly Handle async/await with MySQL Queries in Node.js

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The Problem: Fetching Data Asynchronously

Imagine you're trying to execute a MySQL query and fetch a value you want to use later in your code. Here’s a snippet of code someone had been working on to accomplish this:

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The intention behind this code is clear: you want to asynchronously query the MySQL database and later use the value retrieved. However, you encounter a problem—plan_free is returning [object Object], instead of the expected string or number from the database.

Understanding the Output

The unexpected output can be confusing. You might have tried converting the result to a string with:

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But instead of getting the value you need, you see an object representation. This often indicates that the structure of the returned data is not what you expect.

The Solution: Streamlined Async/Await Usage

The solution you need lies in correctly assigning the value returned from the query without nesting. Let's break down the correct approach:

Step 1: Define the Variable

Start by defining your variable outside the promise chain to hold the fetched value later:

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Step 2: Modify the Query

You can structure your query as follows, ensuring that you are utilizing await with a clearer flow and avoiding deeper nesting:

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Step 3: End the Connection

Finally, ensure you close the connection only after the data retrieval is complete:

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Final Code Example

The full code now looks much cleaner and easier to understand:

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Conclusion

By restructuring your query with async/await properly, we not only enhance readability but also ensure that you retrieve the needed data from your MySQL database without unnecessary complications. Remember, the key is to handle connections and asynchronous operations efficiently to improve both performance and code maintainability.