Overcoming a Challenging Backend Problem: A Journey of Learning
Tags: beginners, database, learning, backenddevelopment
Published: 2024-07-01 18:14:26

As a growing software developer, I constantly find myself navigating through complex problems and devising innovative solutions. Recently, I encountered a particularly challenging backend issue that tested my skills and patience. This experience not only honed my technical abilities but also reinforced my passion for continuous learning, which is why I am excited to embark on the HNG Internship journey.

**The Problem: Database Connection Failures**
A few weeks ago,  As the number of requests to an e-commerce API that's connected to a hosted database on the cloud increased, I noticed intermittent database connection failures. These failures were causing significant disruptions and timeouts, impacting user experience and overall system reliability. After some initial investigation, it was clear that the problem was not straightforward and required a deep dive to uncover the root cause.

To address this issue, I took a methodical approach:
1. Identifying the Symptoms
The first step was to gather detailed information about the issue. I examined logs, monitored system metrics, and collected user reports. The symptoms included:

- Intermittent connection timeouts
- Increased latency during peak hours
- Occasional application crashes

2. Isolating the Problem
Next, I needed to isolate the problem to determine if it was related to the database, the network, or the application itself. I started by checking the database server's health, including CPU, memory usage, and disk I/O. Everything seemed normal on the database side, which led me to investigate the network and application layers.

3. Analyzing Network Traffic
I used network monitoring tools to analyze traffic between the application's API and the database. This analysis revealed sporadic spikes in network latency and packet loss, especially during peak usage times. It became evident that the network was contributing to the connection failures.

4. Optimizing Database Connection Pooling
To mitigate the impact of network issues, I decided to optimize the database connection pooling strategy. I adjusted the connection pool size, max lifetime, and timeout settings. By fine-tuning these parameters, I aimed to ensure that connections were efficiently reused and that stale connections were closed promptly.

5. Deploying and Monitoring
After implementing these changes, I deployed the updated code and closely monitored the system. The results were quite promising - the frequency of connection failures decreased significantly, and system performance stabilized even during peak hours.


**Reflecting on the Experience**
Solving this challenging backend problem was a valuable learning experience. It reinforced the importance of thorough investigation, systematic troubleshooting, and the application of best practices in software development. This journey has also inspired me to seek new opportunities for growth and learning.


**Embarking on the HNG Internship Journey**
As I reflect on this experience, I am excited to announce my participation in the [HNG Internship](https://hng.tech/internship). The HNG Internship is a remarkable opportunity to collaborate with talented individuals, tackle real-world projects, and further develop my skills in software development. I am particularly drawn to the program's focus on mentorship, hands-on learning, and exposure to industry best practices.

Moreover, the HNG Internship offers a platform to connect with potential employers through initiatives like [HNG Hire](https://hng.tech/hire). This aligns perfectly with my career aspirations, as I am eager to contribute to impactful projects and work with innovative teams.


**Conclusion**
Overcoming the recent backend challenge was a testament to the power of persistence, collaboration, and continuous learning. As I embark on the HNG Internship journey, I look forward to embracing new challenges, expanding my skill set, and making meaningful contributions to the tech community.