Graceful shutdown handling in Node.js - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What is graceful shutdown in Node.js?

Graceful shutdown means closing the server and cleaning up resources properly before the app stops, so no requests are lost or data corrupted.

beginner

Which Node.js event is commonly used to detect when the process should shut down?

The 'SIGINT' signal is often used to detect when the user presses Ctrl+C to stop the process.

intermediate

Why should you stop accepting new requests during graceful shutdown?

Stopping new requests prevents the server from starting work it can't finish before shutting down, avoiding errors or lost data.

intermediate

How can you ensure all ongoing requests finish before the server closes?

You wait for all current requests to complete, often by tracking active connections and closing the server only after they finish.

intermediate

What is a common method to clean up resources during shutdown in Node.js?

Closing database connections, clearing timers, and releasing file handles are common cleanup steps during shutdown.

Which signal is typically used to trigger graceful shutdown in a Node.js app?

A SIGCONT

B SIGKILL

C SIGSTOP

D SIGINT

SIGINT is sent when you press Ctrl+C and is commonly used to start graceful shutdown.

What should a server do first when starting graceful shutdown?

A Stop accepting new requests

B Restart the server

C Exit the process

D Close database connections immediately

Stopping new requests prevents new work from starting during shutdown.

Why is it important to wait for ongoing requests to finish before shutdown?

A To restart the server faster

B To avoid losing data or breaking client connections

C To speed up shutdown

D To free memory immediately

Waiting ensures requests complete properly without errors.

Which Node.js method helps to stop the server from accepting new connections?

A server.close()

B server.listen()

C process.exit()

D server.open()

server.close() stops new connections but lets existing ones finish.

What is NOT a typical cleanup task during graceful shutdown?

A Closing database connections

B Clearing timers

C Opening new network sockets

D Releasing file handles

Opening new sockets is not part of shutdown; it would start new work.

Explain the steps to implement graceful shutdown in a Node.js server.

Think about what happens from signal to process exit.

Why is graceful shutdown important for a Node.js application?

Consider what happens if the app stops suddenly.