BUG: Server crashes on startup due to database connection failures (IPv6/DNS issues)

[Vishal-RAJ-DEV]

Is there an existing issue for this?

• I have searched the existing issues

What happened?

Problem Description

The backend server crashes during startup due to database connection failures, specifically related to IPv6 DNS resolution issues with Supabase PostgreSQL connections.

Current Behavior

• ❌ Server fails to start with getaddrinfo failed errors
• ❌ No graceful fallback when PostgreSQL connection fails
• ❌ Missing trending_niches table causes API endpoint crashes
• ❌ Poor error messaging makes debugging difficult
• ❌ Complete server failure instead of degraded functionality

Expected Behavior

• ✅ Server should start successfully even with database connection issues
• ✅ Graceful fallback to alternative database connection methods
• ✅ Clear error messages guiding users on setup requirements
• ✅ Robust error handling for missing tables
• ✅ Development-friendly experience

Error Messages

Environment

• OS: Windows 11
• Python: 3.10
• FastAPI: Latest
• Database: Supabase PostgreSQL
• Network: IPv6-only Supabase host with limited IPv6 connectivity

Root Cause Analysis

1. IPv6 Connectivity: Supabase hosts resolve to IPv6-only addresses
2. Network Limitations: Local network/ISP doesn't support IPv6 properly
3. DNS Resolution: getaddrinfo fails for IPv6 addresses
4. Missing Fallback: No alternative connection method
5. Missing Tables: trending_niches table doesn't exist in database schema

Impact

• 🚫 Blocks Development: New developers can't run the project
• 🚫 Production Risk: Server crashes in environments with IPv6 issues
• 🚫 Poor DX: Frustrating developer experience during setup
• 🚫 Deployment Issues: Unreliable in various network configurations

Proposed Solution

Implement a robust database connection system with:

1. IPv6 Detection & Handling

   • Detect IPv6 connectivity issues
   • Implement connection retry with exponential backoff
   • Add timeout configurations

2. Supabase REST API Fallback

   • Use Supabase REST API when PostgreSQL fails
   • Maintain full CRUD functionality
   • Seamless fallback without code changes

3. Enhanced Error Handling

   • Graceful handling of missing tables
   • Clear setup instructions for developers
   • Informative error messages instead of crashes

4. Table Management

   • Auto-detection of missing tables
   • Setup instructions for manual table creation
   • Proper schema validation

Benefits of Fix

• 🎯 100% Uptime: Server never crashes due to database issues
• 🔄 Auto-Recovery: Automatically switches to working connection
• 🛠️ Developer Friendly: Clear instructions and error messages
• 📈 Production Ready: Handles various network configurations
• 🚀 Improved DX: Smooth onboarding for new contributors

Labels

bug, database, connectivity, good-first-issue, help-wanted, enhancement

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[Sumanth2377]

Picked this up to help get it over the line. I've addressed the connection robustness and ensured all CI checks pass, including the docstring coverage. Thanks for the opportunity!