How to Resolve error:0308010c:digital envelope routines::unsupported

Encountering the error `error:0308010c:digital envelope routines::unsupported` can be frustrating, especially when you're in the middle of a crucial task. This error typically occurs in Node.js when there's an issue with the OpenSSL library. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you troubleshoot and resolve this error.

Steps to Resolve `error:0308010c:digital envelope routines::unsupported`

Step 1: Understand the Error

This error usually appears when there's a mismatch between the Node.js version and the OpenSSL version it uses. OpenSSL 3.0 introduced changes that are not backward-compatible with older versions, leading to such errors.

Step 2: Check Your Node.js Version

First, check which version of Node.js you're running:

```bash

node -v

```

Step 3: Update Node.js

Ensure you're using the latest LTS version of Node.js, as it includes updates and fixes that might resolve compatibility issues with OpenSSL.

1. Using nvm (Node Version Manager):

- Install `nvm` if you haven't already:

```bash

curl -o- https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nvm-sh/nvm/v0.39.1/install.sh | bash

```

- Install and use the latest LTS version of Node.js:

```bash

nvm install --lts

nvm use --lts

```

2. Direct Download:

- Download the latest LTS version from the [official Node.js website](https://nodejs.org/).

- Install it following the provided instructions.

Step 4: Set Node.js to Use Legacy OpenSSL Providers

If updating Node.js doesn’t resolve the issue, you can configure Node.js to use legacy OpenSSL providers.

1. Set the Environment Variable

- On Unix-based systems (Linux, macOS), run:

```bash

export NODE_OPTIONS=--openssl-legacy-provider

```

- On Windows, run:

```bash

set NODE_OPTIONS=--openssl-legacy-provider

```

2. Add to Your Start Script

- Modify your `package.json` to include this option in your start script:

```json

"scripts": {

"start": "node --openssl-legacy-provider your-script.js"

}

```

Step 5: Update Dependencies

Sometimes, the issue might be with one of your project dependencies that relies on an older OpenSSL version. Updating these dependencies can help.

1. Check for Updates:

- Run the following command to check for outdated packages:

```bash

npm outdated

```

- Update packages using:

```bash

npm update

```

2. Reinstall Packages:

- If the problem persists, try deleting `node_modules` and `package-lock.json`, then reinstalling:

```bash

rm -rf node_modules package-lock.json

npm install

```

Step 6: Downgrade Node.js (If Necessary)

If none of the above solutions work, you might need to downgrade Node.js to a version compatible with your current OpenSSL version.

1. Using nvm:

- List available Node.js versions:

```bash

nvm ls-remote

```

- Install a specific version:

```bash

nvm install <version>

nvm use <version>

```

Conclusion

By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the `error:0308010c:digital envelope routines::unsupported` error in Node.js. Make sure to stay updated with the latest versions of Node.js and your dependencies to minimize the risk of encountering such errors in the future.

For more detailed information, you can refer to the official [Node.js documentation](https://nodejs.org/) and [OpenSSL documentation](https://www.openssl.org/docs/).

#### References:

1. [Node.js OpenSSL Configuration](https://nodejs.org/en/docs/guides/configuring-openssl/)

2. [OpenSSL 3.0 Changes](https://www.openssl.org/docs/man3.0/man7/migration_guide.html)