Error
Error Code:
25P03
PostgreSQL Error 25P03: Idle Transaction Timeout
Description
This error indicates that a PostgreSQL transaction has been open and idle for a duration exceeding the configured `idle_in_transaction_session_timeout` parameter. The server terminates the session to prevent resource exhaustion and ensure transaction integrity, marking the transaction as invalid.
Error Message
idle in transaction session timeout
Known Causes
4 known causesApplication Logic Error
Application code initiates a transaction but fails to explicitly commit or roll it back, leaving the session in an idle-in-transaction state.
Interactive Session Idleness
A user opens a transaction in a client tool (e.g., psql) and leaves it unattended without completing the transaction, exceeding the timeout.
Network Disruption or Latency
A client connection experiences a network issue or significant latency, preventing it from sending further commands to complete an active transaction.
Aggressive Timeout Configuration
The `idle_in_transaction_session_timeout` parameter is set too low, terminating transactions that legitimately require longer idle periods.
Solutions
3 solutions available1. Adjust `idle_in_transaction_session_timeout` Globally medium
Modify the PostgreSQL configuration to increase the timeout for idle transactions.
1
Connect to your PostgreSQL server as a superuser (e.g., `postgres`).
2
Open the PostgreSQL configuration file (`postgresql.conf`). The location varies by installation, but common paths include `/etc/postgresql/<version>/main/postgresql.conf` or within the data directory.
3
Locate or add the `idle_in_transaction_session_timeout` parameter. Increase its value. The default is typically 5 minutes (5min). For example, to set it to 1 hour, use `3600s` (seconds).
idle_in_transaction_session_timeout = 3600s4
Save the `postgresql.conf` file.
5
Reload the PostgreSQL configuration for the changes to take effect.
SELECT pg_reload_conf();2. Identify and Terminate Long-Running Idle Transactions medium
Find and kill specific idle transactions that are causing the timeout.
1
Connect to your PostgreSQL database using `psql` or another client.
2
Query the `pg_stat_activity` view to find sessions that are in the `idle in transaction` state and have been running for a long time. Look for `state = 'idle in transaction'` and a large `state_change` timestamp.
SELECT pid, datname, usename, client_addr, client_port, backend_start, state_change, query FROM pg_stat_activity WHERE state = 'idle in transaction' AND state_change < NOW() - INTERVAL '5 minutes';
-- Adjust '5 minutes' to your desired threshold.3
Once you have identified the `pid` (process ID) of the problematic session, you can terminate it using the `pg_terminate_backend()` function.
SELECT pg_terminate_backend(pid); -- Replace 'pid' with the actual process ID from the previous query.4
If `pg_terminate_backend` doesn't work immediately, you might need to use the operating system's `kill` command on the PostgreSQL process ID. Ensure you have the necessary privileges.
sudo kill <pid> -- Replace <pid> with the actual process ID.3. Implement Application-Level Transaction Management advanced
Modify your application code to ensure transactions are committed or rolled back promptly.
1
Review your application's code that interacts with the PostgreSQL database.
2
Ensure that all database transactions are explicitly committed or rolled back within a reasonable timeframe. Avoid leaving transactions open for extended periods while waiting for user input or external events.
3
Consider implementing timeouts at the application level to enforce transaction completion. This might involve using libraries or frameworks that provide transaction management features.
4
If your application uses connection pooling, ensure that connections are properly managed and that idle transactions are not held within the pool.