Fix the Library Corruption

Oct 13, 2025 by pinkandtrash.com 145 views

Introduction

Waku nodes are a crucial component of the Waku network, enabling secure and efficient communication between nodes. However, when running tests that involve multiple Waku nodes, calling Destroy() on an existing node appears to cause issues for any newly created nodes afterward. In this article, we will delve into the problem of Destroy() not working properly and explore the possible causes and solutions.

The Problem

When a Waku node is destroyed using the Destroy() method, it is expected to release all resources so that subsequent new nodes can be created and function normally in the same test run. However, the actual behavior is that newly created nodes after a Destroy() call cannot connect or receive messages. This suggests that the library retains or corrupts a shared resource when Destroy() is invoked, preventing subsequent nodes from properly initializing their networking.

Steps to Reproduce

To reproduce this issue, follow these steps:

Step 1: Start a Node

Start a Waku node with Relay enabled and connect it to a second node. Publish messages to verify that the nodes are communicating properly.

Step 2: Stop and Destroy the First Node

Stop the first node using the Stop() method and then destroy it using the Destroy() method. This can be done using the StopAndDestroy() method or by calling Stop() followed by Destroy().

Step 3: Create New Nodes

Create new nodes in the same test and attempt to connect them. Then, publish messages to verify that the nodes are communicating properly.

Step 4: Observe the Issue

Observe that the new nodes do not see each other as peers, and no messages are received. This indicates that the Destroy() method has left a shared resource in a corrupted state, preventing subsequent nodes from initializing their networking properly.

Expected Behavior

When we destroy a node, it should release all resources so that subsequent new nodes can be created and function normally in the same test run. This means that the Destroy() method should:

Release all system resources allocated to the node
Remove any shared state or data associated with the node
Allow subsequent nodes to initialize their networking properly

Actual Behavior

The actual behavior is that newly created nodes after a Destroy() call cannot connect or receive messages. This suggests that the library retains or corrupts a shared resource when Destroy() is invoked, preventing subsequent nodes from properly initializing their networking.

Possible Causes

There are several possible causes for this issue:

Shared State: The Destroy() method may be leaving a shared resource in a corrupted state, preventing subsequent nodes from initializing their networking properly.
Resource Leaks: The Destroy() method may not be releasing all system resources allocated to the node, causing subsequent nodes to fail to initialize their networking.
Library Corruption: The Waku library may be corrupted or buggy, causing the Destroy() method to fail to release resources or leave shared state in a corrupted state.

Solutions

To resolve this issue, we can try the following solutions:

Reimplement the Destroy() Method: Reimplement the Destroy() method to ensure that it releases all system resources allocated to the node and removes any shared state or data associated with the node.
Use a Different Library: Consider using a different library that does not have this issue.
Fix the Library Corruption: If the Waku library is corrupted or buggy, try to fix the issue by updating the library or reporting the bug to the library maintainers.

Conclusion

Introduction

In our previous article, we explored the issue of Destroy() not working properly in Waku nodes. We discussed the problem, steps to reproduce, expected behavior, and actual behavior. In this article, we will answer some frequently asked questions related to this issue.

Q&A

Q: What is the expected behavior of the `Destroy()` method?

A: The expected behavior of the Destroy() method is to release all system resources allocated to the node and remove any shared state or data associated with the node. This should allow subsequent nodes to initialize their networking properly.

Q: What is the actual behavior of the `Destroy()` method?

A: The actual behavior of the Destroy() method is that newly created nodes after a Destroy() call cannot connect or receive messages. This suggests that the library retains or corrupts a shared resource when Destroy() is invoked.

Q: What are the possible causes of this issue?

A: There are several possible causes of this issue, including:

Shared State: The Destroy() method may be leaving a shared resource in a corrupted state, preventing subsequent nodes from initializing their networking properly.
Resource Leaks: The Destroy() method may not be releasing all system resources allocated to the node, causing subsequent nodes to fail to initialize their networking.
Library Corruption: The Waku library may be corrupted or buggy, causing the Destroy() method to fail to release resources or leave shared state in a corrupted state.

Q: How can I reproduce this issue?

A: To reproduce this issue, follow these steps:

Start a Waku node with Relay enabled and connect it to a second node.
Publish messages to verify that the nodes are communicating properly.
Stop the first node using the Stop() method and then destroy it using the Destroy() method.
Create new nodes in the same test and attempt to connect them.
Publish messages to verify that the nodes are communicating properly.

Q: What are the symptoms of this issue?

A: The symptoms of this issue include:

Newly created nodes after a Destroy() call cannot connect or receive messages.
The test effectively breaks, suggesting that the library retains or corrupts a shared resource when Destroy() is invoked.

Q: How can I fix this issue?

A: To fix this issue, you can try the following solutions:

Reimplement the Destroy() Method: Reimplement the Destroy() method to ensure that it releases all system resources allocated to the node and removes any shared state or data associated with the node.
Use a Different Library: Consider using a different library that does not have this issue.
Fix the Library Corruption: If the Waku library is corrupted or buggy, try to fix the issue by updating the library or reporting the bug to the library maintainers.

Q: Is this issue specific to Waku nodes?

A: No, this issue is not specific to Waku nodes. It can occur in any node that uses a similar library or implementation.

Q: Can I prevent this issue from occurring?

A: Yes, you can prevent this issue from occurring by:

Ensuring that the Destroy() method releases all system resources allocated to the node.
Removing any shared state or data associated with the node.
Using a different library that does not have this issue.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Destroy() method not working properly is a significant issue that can cause tests to fail and prevent subsequent nodes from initializing their networking properly. By understanding the possible causes and solutions, we can work towards resolving this issue and ensuring that the Waku library functions correctly.