Supabase Edge Functions EF017: Invalid JSON Response

The function returned a response that is not valid JSON.

Understanding Supabase Edge Functions

Supabase Edge Functions are serverless functions that allow developers to run backend code in response to HTTP requests. They are built on top of Deno, providing a secure and efficient environment for executing JavaScript and TypeScript code. These functions are particularly useful for handling webhooks, processing data, and performing server-side logic without managing infrastructure.

Identifying the Symptom: Invalid JSON Response

When working with Supabase Edge Functions, you might encounter the error code EF017: Invalid JSON Response. This issue arises when the function returns a response that is not properly formatted as JSON. As a result, clients expecting a JSON response may fail to parse the data, leading to application errors or unexpected behavior.

Exploring the Issue: EF017

The EF017 error indicates that the response from your Edge Function is not valid JSON. JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) is a lightweight data interchange format that is easy for humans to read and write and easy for machines to parse and generate. When a function returns data that doesn't conform to JSON standards, it triggers this error.

Common Causes of Invalid JSON

  • Returning data types that are not JSON serializable, such as functions or undefined values.
  • Syntax errors in the JSON string, such as missing commas or brackets.
  • Improperly escaped characters within the JSON string.

Steps to Fix the Invalid JSON Response

To resolve the EF017 error, follow these steps to ensure your function returns a valid JSON response:

1. Validate Your JSON Structure

Ensure that the data you are returning is JSON serializable. You can use tools like JSONLint to validate your JSON structure. This tool helps identify syntax errors and provides suggestions for corrections.

2. Use JSON.stringify()

When returning data from your function, use JSON.stringify() to convert JavaScript objects into a JSON string. This ensures that the response is properly formatted. For example:

const response = { message: "Hello, world!" };
return new Response(JSON.stringify(response), {
headers: { "Content-Type": "application/json" },
});

3. Set Correct Content-Type Header

Ensure that the Content-Type header is set to application/json. This informs the client that the response is in JSON format:

return new Response(JSON.stringify(response), {
headers: { "Content-Type": "application/json" },
});

4. Test Your Function

After making changes, test your function to ensure it returns a valid JSON response. You can use tools like Postman to send requests to your function and verify the response format.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can resolve the EF017: Invalid JSON Response error in Supabase Edge Functions. Ensuring your function returns properly formatted JSON not only prevents errors but also enhances the reliability and interoperability of your applications. For more information on Supabase Edge Functions, visit the official documentation.

Master

Supabase Edge Functions

in Minutes — Grab the Ultimate Cheatsheet

(Perfect for DevOps & SREs)

Most-used commands
Real-world configs/examples
Handy troubleshooting shortcuts
Your email is safe with us. No spam, ever.

Thankyou for your submission

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

Supabase Edge Functions

Cheatsheet

(Perfect for DevOps & SREs)

Most-used commands
Your email is safe with us. No spam, ever.

Thankyou for your submission

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

MORE ISSUES

Made with ❤️ in Bangalore & San Francisco 🏢

Doctor Droid