[Backend] - QuestionThreads Allow Setting Visibility To Public

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Introduction

In a typical backend development scenario, ensuring the accuracy and consistency of data is crucial. However, sometimes bugs can slip through the cracks, leading to unexpected behavior. In this article, we will delve into a specific issue related to QuestionThreads visibility, where setting it to public results in a private visibility being returned.

The Issue

When attempting to set the visibility of a QuestionThread to public using a PATCH request to /questions/id with the payload {isClosed: false, visibility: 'public'}, the response is a successful 204 status code. However, upon subsequent retrieval of the question(thread), the visibility is found to be set to private instead of public. This issue can also be reproduced on the chat page by setting the visibility to public and then refreshing the page.

Reproducing the Bug

To replicate this bug, follow these steps:

  1. Send a PATCH request to /questions/id with the payload {isClosed: false, visibility: 'public'}.
  2. Verify that the response status code is 204, indicating a successful update.
  3. Fetch the question(thread) again to retrieve its current visibility.
  4. Observe that the visibility is set to private instead of public.

Possible Causes

There could be several reasons behind this unexpected behavior. Some possible causes include:

  • Data inconsistency: The visibility update might not be properly reflected in the database or data storage.
  • Cache issues: The visibility change might be cached, leading to a temporary mismatch between the expected and actual visibility.
  • Server-side logic: The server-side logic might be incorrectly handling the visibility update, resulting in the private visibility being returned.

TODO

To resolve this issue, the following steps need to be taken:

  • Investigate the data storage: Verify that the visibility update is correctly reflected in the database or data storage.
  • Check for cache issues: Ensure that the visibility change is not being cached, leading to a temporary mismatch.
  • Review server-side logic: Examine the server-side logic to identify any potential issues that might be causing the private visibility to be returned.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the QuestionThreads visibility issue is a critical bug that needs to be addressed. By understanding the possible causes and taking the necessary steps to investigate and resolve the issue, we can ensure that the visibility of QuestionThreads is accurately reflected. The TODO list provides a clear roadmap for resolving this bug and preventing similar issues from arising in the future.

Recommendations

To prevent similar issues from arising in the future, consider the following recommendations:

  • Implement thorough testing: Conduct comprehensive testing to ensure that the visibility update is correctly reflected in the database or data storage.
  • Use caching mechanisms wisely: Use caching mechanisms judiciously to avoid temporary mismatches between the expected and actual visibility.
  • Regularly review server-side logic: Regularly review and update server-side logic to ensure that it is correctly handling the visibility update.

Future Development

In future development, consider the following enhancements to prevent similar issues from arising:

  • Implement data validation: Implement data validation to ensure that the visibility update is correctly reflected in the database or data storage.
  • Use a more robust caching mechanism: Use a more robust caching mechanism to avoid temporary mismatches between the expected and actual visibility.
  • Implement automated testing: Implement automated testing to ensure that the visibility update is correctly reflected in the database or data storage.
    Backend Bug: QuestionThreads Visibility Issue - Q&A =====================================================

Introduction

In our previous article, we explored the issue of QuestionThreads visibility being set to public but returned as private. In this article, we will delve into a Q&A session to provide further clarification and insights into this issue.

Q: What is the expected behavior when setting visibility to public?

A: When setting visibility to public, the expected behavior is that the question(thread) should be accessible to all users, regardless of their authentication status.

Q: What is the actual behavior when setting visibility to public?

A: The actual behavior is that the question(thread) is returned with a visibility of private, even though the visibility was set to public.

Q: Can this issue be reproduced on the chat page?

A: Yes, this issue can be reproduced on the chat page by setting visibility to public and then refreshing the page.

Q: What are the possible causes of this issue?

A: Some possible causes of this issue include:

  • Data inconsistency: The visibility update might not be properly reflected in the database or data storage.
  • Cache issues: The visibility change might be cached, leading to a temporary mismatch between the expected and actual visibility.
  • Server-side logic: The server-side logic might be incorrectly handling the visibility update, resulting in the private visibility being returned.

Q: How can this issue be resolved?

A: To resolve this issue, the following steps need to be taken:

  • Investigate the data storage: Verify that the visibility update is correctly reflected in the database or data storage.
  • Check for cache issues: Ensure that the visibility change is not being cached, leading to a temporary mismatch.
  • Review server-side logic: Examine the server-side logic to identify any potential issues that might be causing the private visibility to be returned.

Q: What are the recommendations to prevent similar issues from arising in the future?

A: To prevent similar issues from arising in the future, consider the following recommendations:

  • Implement thorough testing: Conduct comprehensive testing to ensure that the visibility update is correctly reflected in the database or data storage.
  • Use caching mechanisms wisely: Use caching mechanisms judiciously to avoid temporary mismatches between the expected and actual visibility.
  • Regularly review server-side logic: Regularly review and update server-side logic to ensure that it is correctly handling the visibility update.

Q: What are the future development enhancements to prevent similar issues from arising in the future?

A: In future development, consider the following enhancements to prevent similar issues from arising:

  • Implement data validation: Implement data validation to ensure that the visibility update is correctly reflected in the database or data storage.
  • Use a more robust caching mechanism: Use a more robust caching mechanism to avoid temporary mismatches between the expected and actual visibility.
  • Implement automated testing: Implement automated testing to ensure that the visibility update is correctly reflected in the database or data storage.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the QuestionThreads visibility issue is a critical bug that needs to be addressed. By understanding the possible causes and taking the necessary steps to investigate and resolve the issue, we can ensure that the visibility of QuestionThreads is accurately reflected. The Q&A session provides further clarification and insights into this issue, and the recommendations and future development enhancements provide a roadmap for preventing similar issues from arising in the future.