Backend may freeze when inotify instances are exhausted (linux)
Author: sdirixCreated Aug 14, 2026Updated Sep 17, 2026
LabelsbugOS/Linuxfile-watchers
Bug Description:
When the system is at the limit of inotify instances (typical default is 128) and npm run start:browser is executed, the backend may wait-freeze forever.
I encountered this during testing but this might also happen for any other (Linux) Theia-based application if the user is unlucky.
Steps to Reproduce:
- On Linux, exhaust your inotify user instances, e.g. via a python script
- Run
npm run start:browser - The backend freezes after setting up the watcher for the log config file
Additional Information
- Operating System: Ubuntu 24.04
- Theia Version: latest master (https://github.com/eclipse-theia/theia/commit/713634fd5885ff8abde8cfd50bc3493d535772a5)
Source: eclipse-theia/theia