How can I cause a timeout exception in a database?

Question

I need to test some asp.net code that handles timeout exceptions from a call to mssql database.

I'm about to reduce my CommandTimeout parameter on the connection however this might cause the errors before reaching the my code.

Is their a simple way to cause the database to timeout 'on cue'?

Answer 1

Write a procedure that loops for ever doing some complex task with each iteration...and if that is not enough further expand it by calling the stored procedure recursively!

Answer 2

Ive cheaped this by unplugging my ethernet cable lol...

Answer 3

Begin a transaction in a management studio SQL window, update the table, and don't commit it:

BEGIN TRAN
UPDATE table SET ...

This will lock any website attempt to read that table.

Answer 4

Couldn't you just throw the exception that you want in whatever try block you want to test?

Answer 5

write down the procedure or Query which take more than 30 seconds to execute and call this from asp.net code.

Answer 6

Begin your test, then turn off your database server (sc stop "MSSQL$SQLEXPRESS" or something).

Answer 7

What you are looking for sir is the WAITFOR command, database timeouts on queue whenever you feel like it.

Answer 8

You might consider replacing the DB connection with a mock, that could simplify your testing.

In this case, the mock would simply always signal a timeout.