How to Resolve java.io.IOException: Broken Pipe

1. Understand the java.io.IOException: Broken pipe
2. Causes of java.io.IOException: Broken pipe
3. Solution for the java.io.IOException: Broken pipe

This article covers the causes of the java.io.IOException: Broken pipe exception and provides solutions to fix it in Java. But before that, let’s look at the java.io.IOException: Broken pipe exception.

Understand the java.io.IOException: Broken pipe

java.io.IOException: Broken pipe refers to the situation in which one device is trying to read/write data from/to a pipe while the machine previously connected to the other end of the pipe has either died or been terminated.

We must establish a new connection to continue data transmission because that connection has been severed. If we don’t do it, it will terminate the data transfer, and we will receive the following exception:

java.io.IOException : Broken pipe

Causes of java.io.IOException: Broken pipe

Following are some potential causes that trigger the java.io.IOException: Broken pipe:

• When a client terminates an open connection while doing any operation, such as loading a page or downloading a file. It is one of the most common things that can cause this exception.
• Another common reason for a java.io.IOException: Broken pipe is when one of two machines interacting via a socket has shut down the socket on its end before the exchange of information has been finished.
• Performance difficulties or low network efficiency can disrupt a connection between a client and a server and lead to exceptions.
• When the web server cannot get a response from the service within a specified amount of time, which is equal to the timeout value defined in the server, it will shut the connection on the client end, resulting in a Broken Pipe.

Solution for the java.io.IOException: Broken pipe

• We can try inserting some delays throughout the application to see if this makes a difference. However, because of the delays, the users should have sufficient time to complete the transfer.
• Handle the exception dignifiedly by performing the necessary logging or taking action.
• To be prepared for any situation, we should improve your internet connection as soon as possible.
• Increasing the Timeout of the Server, which has a default value of 60 seconds. Increasing this amount will not only reduce the likelihood of a Broken Pipe, but it will also improve performance.