Javascript TypeORM TransactionNotStartedError

Attempting to commit or roll back a transaction that hasn't been started.

Understanding TypeORM and Its Purpose

TypeORM is a popular Object-Relational Mapper (ORM) for TypeScript and JavaScript, designed to work with various databases such as MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQLite, and more. It allows developers to interact with databases using TypeScript or JavaScript objects, making database operations more intuitive and less error-prone. TypeORM supports advanced features like transactions, migrations, and relations, which are essential for building robust applications.

Identifying the Symptom: TransactionNotStartedError

When working with TypeORM, you might encounter the TransactionNotStartedError. This error typically occurs when you attempt to commit or roll back a transaction that hasn't been properly initiated. The error message might look something like this:

Error: TransactionNotStartedError: Transaction is not started

This error can disrupt the flow of your application, especially if transactions are crucial to your business logic.

Exploring the Issue: Why Does TransactionNotStartedError Occur?

The TransactionNotStartedError arises when you try to perform operations on a transaction that hasn't been started. In TypeORM, transactions are explicitly started using the queryRunner.startTransaction() method. If you attempt to commit or roll back without starting a transaction, TypeORM will throw this error to prevent undefined behavior.

Common Scenarios Leading to the Error

  • Forgetting to call startTransaction() before commitTransaction() or rollbackTransaction().
  • Incorrectly handling asynchronous operations that involve transactions.

Steps to Fix the TransactionNotStartedError

To resolve the TransactionNotStartedError, follow these steps:

1. Ensure Proper Transaction Initialization

Before committing or rolling back a transaction, make sure to start it using the following code:

const queryRunner = dataSource.createQueryRunner();
await queryRunner.connect();
await queryRunner.startTransaction();

Refer to the TypeORM Transactions Documentation for more details.

2. Handle Asynchronous Operations Correctly

Ensure that all asynchronous operations within a transaction are properly awaited. This prevents the transaction from being committed or rolled back prematurely.

try {
await queryRunner.manager.save(entity);
await queryRunner.commitTransaction();
} catch (err) {
await queryRunner.rollbackTransaction();
} finally {
await queryRunner.release();
}

3. Debugging and Logging

Add logging to your transaction code to trace the flow of operations. This can help identify where the transaction might not be starting as expected.

Conclusion

By ensuring that transactions are correctly started and managed, you can avoid the TransactionNotStartedError in TypeORM. Proper handling of transactions is crucial for maintaining data integrity and ensuring the smooth operation of your application. For further reading, check out the official TypeORM documentation.

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