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Node.js opened too many files at once

EMFILE: too many open files in system

Node.js reached the operating system limit for open file descriptors, which commonly happens during heavy file access or runaway watchers.

EMFILEruntime

Observed message

EMFILE: too many open files in system

Why it happens

  • Too many files, sockets, or watchers are open at the same time.
  • The application is leaking file descriptors by not closing resources.
  • The host operating system has a low file descriptor limit for the current workload.

How to fix it

  1. Make sure files, sockets, and streams are closed when work completes.
  2. Reduce concurrent file operations or watcher usage where possible.
  3. Raise the file descriptor limit on the host if the workload legitimately needs more.

Official reference

Node.js Errors

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Node.js EMFILE too many open files: causes and fixes | Error Atlas