Javascript TypeORM OptimisticLockVersionMismatchError

The version of the entity in the database does not match the expected version during an update.

Understanding TypeORM

TypeORM is a powerful Object-Relational Mapper (ORM) for TypeScript and JavaScript. It allows developers to interact with databases using object-oriented programming principles, making it easier to manage database schemas and perform CRUD operations. TypeORM supports various databases like MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQLite, and more, providing a unified API for database interactions.

Identifying the Symptom: OptimisticLockVersionMismatchError

When working with TypeORM, you might encounter the OptimisticLockVersionMismatchError. This error typically occurs when you attempt to update an entity, but the version of the entity in the database does not match the expected version. This mismatch can lead to failed updates and data inconsistencies.

What You Observe

During an update operation, you might see an error message similar to:

Error: OptimisticLockVersionMismatchError: The entity has a version that does not match the expected version.

Explaining the Issue

The OptimisticLockVersionMismatchError is a mechanism used by TypeORM to prevent concurrent updates from overwriting each other. When using optimistic locking, each entity has a version column that increments with each update. If the version in the database does not match the version in the update request, TypeORM throws this error to indicate a potential conflict.

Why It Happens

This error occurs when:

  • Multiple transactions are trying to update the same entity simultaneously.
  • The entity was modified by another transaction after it was loaded into memory.

Steps to Fix the OptimisticLockVersionMismatchError

To resolve this issue, you can take several approaches:

1. Retry the Operation

Implement a retry mechanism to attempt the update again. This can be useful in scenarios where transient conflicts occur.

async function updateEntityWithRetry(entity, retries = 3) {
for (let attempt = 0; attempt < retries; attempt++) {
try {
await repository.save(entity);
return;
} catch (error) {
if (error.name !== 'OptimisticLockVersionMismatchError') throw error;
}
}
throw new Error('Failed to update entity after multiple attempts');
}

2. Inform the User

If retrying is not suitable, inform the user about the conflict and provide options to resolve it, such as reloading the entity or discarding changes.

3. Use a Custom Conflict Resolution Strategy

Implement a custom strategy to merge changes or decide which version to keep. This requires a deeper understanding of the business logic and data consistency requirements.

Additional Resources

For more information on handling optimistic locking in TypeORM, refer to the official documentation. You can also explore TypeORM's GitHub issues for community discussions and solutions.

Try DrDroid: AI Agent for Debugging

80+ monitoring tool integrations
Long term memory about your stack
Locally run Mac App available

Thank you for your submission

We have sent the cheatsheet on your email!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Read more
Time to stop copy pasting your errors onto Google!

Try DrDroid: AI Agent for Fixing Production Errors

80+ monitoring tool integrations
Long term memory about your stack
Locally run Mac App available

Thankyou for your submission

We have sent the cheatsheet on your email!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Thank you for your submission

We have sent the cheatsheet on your email!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Read more
Time to stop copy pasting your errors onto Google!

MORE ISSUES

Deep Sea Tech Inc. — Made with ❤️ in Bangalore & San Francisco 🏢

Doctor Droid