Resolving MongoDB Exit Code 14 Error

2 min readJan 20, 2024

If you’re running MongoDB and encounter the “exit-code 14” error, you’re not alone. This error can be a result of various issues, but a common fix involves addressing the MongoDB socket file. In this blog post, we’ll explore the error message and provide a step-by-step solution to resolve it.

Error Message

mongod.service - MongoDB Database Server
     Loaded: loaded (/lib/systemd/system/mongod.service; enabled; vendor preset: enabled)
     Active: failed (Result: exit-code) since Sat 2024-01-20 10:43:51 IST; 3s ago
       Docs: https://docs.mongodb.org/manual
    Process: 6239 ExecStart=/usr/bin/mongod --config /etc/mongod.conf (code=exited, status=14)
   Main PID: 6239 (code=exited, status=14)
        CPU: 34ms

Jan 20 10:43:51 azureuser systemd[1]: Started MongoDB Database Server.
Jan 20 10:43:51 azureuser mongod[6239]: {"t":{"$date":"2024-01-20T05:13:51.538Z"},"s":"I",  "c":"CONTROL",  "id":7484500, "ctx":"main","msg":"Environment variable MONGODB_CONFIG_OVERRIDE_NOFORK == 1, overridi>
Jan 20 10:43:51 azureuser systemd[1]: mongod.service: Main process exited, code=exited, status=14/n/a
Jan 20 10:43:51 azureuser systemd[1]: mongod.service: Failed with result 'exit-code'.

To resolve the “exit-code 14” error, follow these steps

Remove MongoDB Socket File

In MongoDB, a socket file plays a crucial role in facilitating communication between the MongoDB server and client applications. Think of it as a communication endpoint or channel that allows processes to exchange information.

When you start the MongoDB server, it dynamically creates a socket file, typically named something like mongodb-27017.sock (with 27017 being the default MongoDB port). This file serves as a point of contact for client applications to connect to the MongoDB server, enabling data exchange and query execution.

sudo rm /tmp/mongodb-27017.sock

Restart MongoDB Service

To restart the MongoDB service, you can use the following command

sudo systemctl restart mongod

Check MongoDB Service Status

To check the status of the MongoDB service, you can use the following command

sudo systemctl status mongod

Explanation

The error is often associated with issues related to the MongoDB socket file. By removing the socket file and restarting the MongoDB service, you can resolve the problem. The provided commands accomplish these steps.

Conclusion

Encountering errors in database systems like MongoDB is not uncommon, but with a clear understanding of the issue and the appropriate steps, you can quickly get your database back on track. If you face similar issues, try the steps outlined here to resolve the “exit-code 14” error on MongoDB