Resolving the dynamic method [java.util.HashMap, add/1] not found Error in Kibana Console

Описание: A detailed guide to fixing the error encountered while executing `update_by_query` in Kibana when dealing with hashmaps and collections in Elasticsearch.
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This video is based on the question https://stackoverflow.com/q/64604096/ asked by the user 'M_x' ( https://stackoverflow.com/u/12746958/ ) and on the answer https://stackoverflow.com/a/64604418/ provided by the user 'Val' ( https://stackoverflow.com/u/4604579/ ) at 'Stack Overflow' website. Thanks to these great users and Stackexchange community for their contributions.

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How to Fix the dynamic method [java.util.HashMap, add/1] not found Error in Kibana Console

If you are new to the Elasticsearch stack and have encountered the error message "dynamic method [java.util.HashMap, add/1] not found" while trying to run an update_by_query command in Kibana, you are not alone. This error is often perplexing and can hinder your workflow if not resolved. Let's break down the issue and provide a solution to help you move forward.

Understanding the Problem

The Context

You are attempting to execute the following query in Kibana Dev Tool Console:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

This query intends to update the employee records by adding a new address to the existing address structure. However, you receive an error about the add() method not being available for java.util.HashMap. It can be frustrating when the tools do not behave as expected.

The Root Cause

The primary mistake in the query is that you're attempting to use the add() method on a hashmap. Specifically, since the Address field is structured as a hashmap (or an object) rather than a list or collection, employing add() leads to an exception, as add() is meant for collections like arrays or lists.

Solution: Transforming Hashmap to Collection

To resolve this error, the solution lies in transforming the Address to a list before you attempt to add the new address. Here's how you can do that:

Updated Query

Here's the revised version of your query that will work correctly without throwing the error:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Explanation of Changes

Check the Instance Type: The first part of the script checks if ctx._source.Address is already a collection:

if (!(ctx._source.Address instanceof Collection)) ensures that if Address is not a list, it converts it to one.

Transformation: If your address is a single hashmap, it wraps it into an array:

ctx._source.Address = [ctx._source.Address];

Adding the New Address: After ensuring Address is now a collection (list), you can safely use add(params.tag) to add the new address information.

Conclusion

Errors are part of the learning process, especially with sophisticated tools like Elasticsearch. By addressing the problem of how to properly manipulate object types in your dataset, you can enhance your knowledge and handle similar scenarios in the future. Always check the type of object you are working with and use the appropriate methods for manipulation.

If you want to further discuss Elasticsearch or Kibana, feel free to comment below. Happy querying!