Could not parse time value expected either a string or a null value but found – How to solve this Elasticsearch exception

Opster Team

August-23, Version: 6.8-7.15

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Briefly, this error occurs when Elasticsearch attempts to parse a time value but encounters an unexpected data type, such as an object or an array, instead of a string or null value. To resolve this issue, ensure that the time value being passed is either a string in the correct format or a null value. Check your data input or the script that generates this data. If you’re using a date formatter, verify that it’s producing the correct output. Also, ensure that your mapping is correctly set to handle date or time fields.

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This guide will help you check for common problems that cause the log ” could not parse time value. expected either a string or a null value but found [{}] ” to appear. To understand the issues related to this log, read the explanation below about the following Elasticsearch concepts: plugin.

Log Context

Log “could not parse time value. expected either a string or a null value but found [{}]” class name is WatcherDateTimeUtils.java. We extracted the following from Elasticsearch source code for those seeking an in-depth context :

 } catch (ElasticsearchParseException epe) {
 throw new ElasticsearchParseException("failed to parse time unit"; epe);
 }  }
 throw new ElasticsearchParseException("could not parse time value. expected either a string or a null value but found [{}] " +
 "instead"; token);
 }  /**
 * Parse a {@link TimeValue} with support for fractional values.

 

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