Question
Answer and Explanation
An Argo workflow might not stop for several reasons, often related to its configuration or the tasks it's executing. Here are some common causes:
1. Infinite Loops or Retries:
- If a step in your workflow is configured to retry indefinitely on failure, and that step consistently fails, the workflow will never reach a successful completion state. Check your retryStrategy settings.
2. Unfinished or Hanging Steps:
- A step might be stuck in a pending or running state due to an issue with the underlying container or script. This could be caused by a resource constraint, a bug in the code, or an external dependency that is not responding.
3. Incorrect Workflow Definition:
- Errors in the workflow YAML definition, such as incorrect dependencies or conditions, can prevent the workflow from progressing to its final steps. Review your dependencies and conditions carefully.
4. Missing or Incorrect Exit Conditions:
- If your workflow relies on specific exit conditions (e.g., a certain file being created or a specific status code), and these conditions are not met, the workflow might not terminate. Ensure your exit conditions are correctly defined and achievable.
5. Resource Exhaustion:
- If the workflow's steps require more resources (CPU, memory, disk space) than are available, they might hang or fail without properly terminating. Monitor resource usage and adjust resource requests as needed.
6. External Dependencies:
- If the workflow depends on external services or APIs, and these services are unavailable or slow, the workflow might stall. Check the health and availability of your external dependencies.
7. Workflow Suspension:
- The workflow might be intentionally suspended or paused, either manually or through a specific configuration. Check the workflow's status in the Argo UI or using the command-line interface.
8. Bug in Argo Controller:
- Although less common, there could be a bug in the Argo controller itself that prevents the workflow from completing. Ensure you are using a stable version of Argo and check for any known issues.
To troubleshoot, examine the workflow logs, check the status of individual steps, and review your workflow definition for any potential issues. Using the Argo UI or command-line tools can provide valuable insights into the workflow's execution.