Elasticsearch Error: Invalid snapshot name - Common Causes & Fixes

Brief Explanation

The "Invalid snapshot name" error in Elasticsearch occurs when attempting to create, restore, or manage a snapshot with a name that doesn't meet the required naming conventions or contains invalid characters.

Common Causes

1. Using special characters in the snapshot name
2. Starting the snapshot name with an underscore
3. Using uppercase letters in the snapshot name
4. Exceeding the maximum length for snapshot names
5. Using reserved words or system-reserved prefixes

Steps to Troubleshoot and Resolve

1. Check the snapshot name for any special characters or spaces.
2. Ensure the snapshot name starts with a lowercase letter or number.
3. Use only lowercase letters, numbers, hyphens (-), and underscores (_) in the name.
4. Keep the snapshot name under 255 bytes.
5. Avoid using reserved words or system-reserved prefixes like ., .., or -.
6. If using the Snapshot API, verify the correct syntax and parameters in your request.
7. Review Elasticsearch documentation for the latest naming conventions and restrictions.

Additional Information and Best Practices

• Use descriptive and consistent naming conventions for snapshots to improve manageability.
• Consider using date-based naming patterns for automated snapshots (e.g., daily-snapshot-2023-05-15).
• Implement proper error handling in your applications to catch and handle snapshot-related errors gracefully.
• Regularly audit and clean up old or unnecessary snapshots to maintain system health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use spaces in Elasticsearch snapshot names?
A: No, spaces are not allowed in Elasticsearch snapshot names. Use hyphens or underscores instead to separate words.

Q: What is the maximum length for an Elasticsearch snapshot name?
A: Elasticsearch snapshot names should be less than 255 bytes in length.

Q: Are uppercase letters allowed in Elasticsearch snapshot names?
A: No, uppercase letters are not allowed. Use only lowercase letters in snapshot names.

Q: Can a snapshot name start with a number?
A: Yes, snapshot names can start with a number. They must start with either a lowercase letter or a number.

Q: Is it possible to rename an existing Elasticsearch snapshot?
A: No, Elasticsearch does not provide a direct way to rename existing snapshots. You would need to create a new snapshot with the desired name and delete the old one.