Common Issues in AdonisJS Applications

AdonisJS applications may experience problems due to incorrect configurations, ORM query inefficiencies, middleware conflicts, or deployment challenges. Understanding these issues helps developers build more reliable applications.

Common Symptoms

• Routes not found or incorrect request handling.
• Database connection errors.
• Slow query execution and performance issues.
• Middleware execution failures or unexpected behavior.

Root Causes and Architectural Implications

1. Routing and Controller Issues

Incorrect route definitions or missing controller methods can cause routing failures.

// Ensure route is correctly defined in start/routes.ts
Route.get("/users", "UsersController.index");

2. Database Connection Failures

Incorrect database credentials or driver misconfiguration can prevent AdonisJS from connecting to a database.

# Check database connectivity
node ace migration:run

3. Slow Query Performance

Inefficient queries and missing indexes can slow down database operations.

// Use query optimization techniques
const users = await Database.from("users").where("active", true).limit(100);

4. Middleware Execution Failures

Middleware errors occur when dependencies are not properly registered.

// Ensure middleware is registered in start/kernel.ts
Server.middleware.register([
  "App/Middleware/AuthMiddleware"
]);

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide

Step 1: Debug Routing Issues

Ensure the correct HTTP method and controller references are used.

# List registered routes for debugging
node ace list:routes

Step 2: Fix Database Connection Errors

Verify the database configuration in .env and config/database.ts.

# Test database connection
node ace migration:status

Step 3: Optimize Query Performance

Use indexing and limit query results for better efficiency.

// Use indexes to speed up lookups
const users = await Database.from("users").where("email", "like", "%@example.com").limit(50);

Step 4: Resolve Middleware Issues

Ensure middleware is correctly implemented and registered.

// Register global middleware in kernel.ts
Server.middleware.register([
  () => import("App/Middleware/SessionMiddleware")
]);

Step 5: Debug Deployment and Environment Issues

Check environment variables and ensure production dependencies are installed.

# Install production dependencies
npm install --production

Conclusion

Optimizing AdonisJS requires careful routing definitions, efficient database queries, correct middleware configurations, and proper deployment practices. Following these best practices improves performance and reliability in AdonisJS applications.

FAQs

1. Why are my routes not working in AdonisJS?

Ensure routes are correctly defined in start/routes.ts and check for typos or incorrect controller method references.

2. How do I fix database connection issues in AdonisJS?

Verify the .env database credentials, ensure the database server is running, and test connectivity with node ace migration:status.

3. Why is my AdonisJS application slow?

Optimize database queries, enable caching mechanisms, and avoid unnecessary computations in controllers and middleware.

4. How do I debug middleware issues?

Ensure middleware is properly registered in start/kernel.ts and check logs for execution errors.

5. How do I deploy an AdonisJS application?

Use a process manager like PM2, set the correct environment variables, and install production dependencies using npm install --production.