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Http request call to PubSub asks for "content-length" in header, but when provided times out

Hi there,

I am able to run http requests to my PubSub project no problem from python scripts. I am now testing integration via a java servlet, but when running the http request I am getting an error related to "content-length" but when I add this in the header, and then get a time out error. Any idea what might be causing this error? 

With kind regards,

Kris. 

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1 REPLY 1

The challenge you're encountering with Google Cloud Pub/Sub, specifically regarding the Content-Length header in your HTTP request and subsequent timeouts, could be due to several factors. Here are some revised explanations and solutions:

  1. Correct Content-Length Calculation:

    • Cause: If the Content-Length header does not accurately reflect the size of your request body in bytes, it can lead to issues. An incorrect Content-Length might cause the server to expect more or less data than is actually sent.
    • Solution: Ensure that the Content-Length header is set correctly, matching the actual size of the payload. In many cases, the HTTP client library can handle this automatically.
  2. Request Body Consistency:

    • Cause: An incomplete or improperly formatted request body can lead to timeouts, as the server might wait for additional data.
    • Solution: Verify that the entire payload is included in the request and that it is formatted correctly according to the specified Content-Type (e.g., application/json).
  3. Java Servlet Configuration:

    • Cause: Java servlets might add certain headers or process the request body in ways that are not compatible with Pub/Sub expectations.
    • Solution: Check your servlet configuration to ensure that it doesn't automatically add unwanted headers or encodings. Ensure that the Content-Type header is explicitly set to match your payload.
  4. Network and Firewall Configuration:

    • Cause: Network issues, such as restrictive firewall rules, can block or delay communication with Pub/Sub endpoints.
    • Solution: Confirm that your network and firewall settings allow outbound traffic to the Pub/Sub API, typically over port 443.
  5. Pub/Sub Service Status:

    • Cause: Occasional service disruptions or maintenance in Pub/Sub can lead to temporary issues.
    • Solution: Check the Google Cloud Pub/Sub status page for any service disruptions or ongoing maintenance. If everything seems normal and issues persist, consider reaching out to Google Cloud support.

Additional Troubleshooting Tips:

  • Review Error Messages: Analyze any specific error messages for clues about the issue.
  • Test with Simple Payloads: Try sending basic messages to rule out complex payload issues.
  • Use Official Client Libraries: For more reliable interactions with Pub/Sub, consider using Google's official Java client libraries.
  • Compare with Python Implementation: Since your Python scripts work, compare the successful Python requests with the Java requests to identify differences.

By addressing these areas, you should be able to diagnose and resolve the issues related to the Content-Length header and successfully integrate your Java servlet with Google Cloud Pub/Sub.