InfluxDB ERR: retention policy not found

The specified retention policy does not exist for the database.

Understanding InfluxDB

InfluxDB is a powerful time-series database designed to handle high write and query loads. It is commonly used for monitoring, analytics, and real-time data processing. InfluxDB allows users to define retention policies to manage how long data is stored.

Identifying the Symptom

When working with InfluxDB, you might encounter the error message: ERR: retention policy not found. This error indicates that the system is unable to locate the specified retention policy for the database you are working with.

Explaining the Issue

The error ERR: retention policy not found occurs when a query or operation references a retention policy that does not exist. Retention policies in InfluxDB define the duration for which data is stored and the number of copies of the data to retain. If a query specifies a non-existent policy, InfluxDB cannot proceed with the operation.

Common Causes

  • Typographical errors in the retention policy name.
  • The retention policy was never created.
  • The retention policy was deleted or renamed.

Steps to Fix the Issue

To resolve the ERR: retention policy not found error, follow these steps:

1. Verify the Retention Policy Name

Ensure that the retention policy name in your query is correct. Retention policy names are case-sensitive, so check for any typographical errors.

2. List Existing Retention Policies

Use the following command to list all retention policies for your database:

SHOW RETENTION POLICIES ON "your_database_name"

This command will display all existing retention policies. Verify that the policy you are trying to use is listed.

3. Create the Retention Policy

If the retention policy does not exist, create it using the CREATE RETENTION POLICY command. For example:

CREATE RETENTION POLICY "your_policy_name" ON "your_database_name" DURATION 30d REPLICATION 1

This command creates a retention policy named your_policy_name with a duration of 30 days and a replication factor of 1.

4. Update Queries

After creating the retention policy, update any queries or configurations to use the correct policy name.

Additional Resources

For more information on managing retention policies in InfluxDB, refer to the official documentation:

By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the ERR: retention policy not found error and ensure your InfluxDB setup is functioning correctly.

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