API Request Timeout - Endpoint Takes Too Long
API requests timeout while waiting for response. Frontend gets 'fetch timeout' error or 504 error.
The endpoint works but is slow. Same endpoint sometimes works, sometimes doesn't.
Error Messages You Might See
Common Causes
- Endpoint performs heavy computation without optimization
- Database query not optimized - missing indexes or fetching too much data
- External API calls not having timeouts or being slow
- Request waiting for previous long-running requests to complete
- Timeout set too low for legitimate request duration
How to Fix It
Set fetch timeout: fetch(url, { timeout: 30000 }) for 30 second timeout
Optimize queries: add database indexes, use pagination for large results
Add timeout to external calls: fetch(externalUrl, { timeout: 5000 })
Move long tasks to background jobs, return response immediately
Monitor endpoint: track execution time, profile bottlenecks
Real developers can help you.
David Olverson
Solo dev shipping production apps with AI-assisted development. I specialize in rescuing broken Lovable/Bolt/Cursor builds and taking them to production. 10+ apps shipped including SaaS CRMs, gaming platforms, real estate tools, and Discord bots. Stack: Next.js 16, TypeScript, Tailwind CSS, FastAPI, PostgreSQL, Prisma. I use Claude Code with 50+ custom skills for rapid delivery. Average turnaround: 2-4 weeks from broken prototype to production.
Alvin Voo
I’ve watched the tech landscape evolve over the last decade—from the structured days of Java Server Pages to the current "wild west" of Agentic-driven development. While AI can "vibe" a frontend into existence, I specialize in the architecture that keeps it from collapsing.
My expertise lies in the critical backend infrastructure: the parts that must be fast, secure, and scalable. I thrive on high-pressure environments, such as when I had only three weeks to architect and launch an Ethereum redemption system with minimal prior crypto knowledge, turning it into a major revenue stream.
What I bring to your project:
Forensic Debugging: I don't just "patch" bugs; I use tools like Datadog and Explain Analyzers to map out bottlenecks and resolve root causes—like significantly reducing memory usage by optimizing complex DB joins.
Full-Stack Context: Deep experience in Node.js and React, ensuring backends play perfectly with mobile and web teams.
Sanity in the Age of AI: I bridge the gap between "best practices" and modern speed, ensuring your project isn't just built fast, but built to last.
Nam Tran
10 years as fullstack developer
Richard McSorley
Full-Stack Software Engineer with 8+ years building high-performance applications for enterprise clients. Shipped production systems at Walmart (4,000+ stores), Cigna (20M+ users), and Arkansas Blue Cross. 5 patents in retail/supply chain tech. Currently focused on AI integrations, automation tools, and TypeScript-first architectures.
Matthew Jordan
I've been working at a large software company named Kainos for 2 years, and mainly specialise in Platform Engineering. I regularly enjoy working on software products outside of work, and I'm a huge fan of game development using Unity. I personally enjoy Python & C# in my spare time, but I also specialise in multiple different platform-related technologies from my day job.
Dor Yaloz
SW engineer with 6+ years of experience,
I worked with React/Node/Python
did projects with React+Capacitor.js for ios
Supabase expert
Daniel Vázquez
Software Engineer with over 10 years of experience on Startups, Government, big tech industry & consulting.
Matthew Butler
Systems Development Engineer @ Amazon Web Services
Matt Butler
Software Engineer @ AWS
Costea Adrian
Embedded Engineer specilizing in perception systems. Latest project was a adas camera calibration system.
You don't need to be technical. Just describe what's wrong and a verified developer will handle the rest.
Get HelpFrequently Asked Questions
What's a good timeout for API calls?
Client-side: 30s max. For database: 5-10s depending on complexity. External APIs: 10-15s
How do I handle slow endpoints?
1) Optimize the query/logic, 2) Use background jobs for long tasks, 3) Increase timeout, 4) Implement pagination
Should I retry on timeout?
Sometimes. For idempotent endpoints (GET, DELETE with same ID) yes. For POST/mutations, be careful of duplicates