Overview
Some builders may see error message 1043: "Glide has encountered an irrecoverable database error and needs to be reloaded." This message occurs only in the Builder environment. Published apps are not affected.
This article explains why this occurs and provides guidance on how to prevent it.
Why This Happens
1. Large spreadsheet-based data sources
This issue is most common in apps using large spreadsheet-backed sources, including Glide Tables, Google Sheets, Airtable, and Excel. Apps containing tens of thousands of rows in these sources are more prone to Builder instability.
2. Data changing while the Builder is open
Error 1043 often occurs when data updates while someone is editing the app. Examples include rows changing rapidly, large updates from spreadsheet syncs, or high-volume write operations. When real-time data refreshes occur, the Builder may need to reload to stay in sync, resulting in this error.
What Is Not Affected
End users do not experience this issue.
Published apps continue to run normally.
No data loss or corruption occurs.
The behavior is isolated to the Builder interface.
How to Reduce the Issue
1. Reduce spreadsheet data where possible
To improve Builder stability, try to keep spreadsheet-backed rows within recommended limits by deleting unused or historical rows, archiving older data outside the active app, or splitting oversized tables into smaller tables.
2. Migrate high-volume data to Big Tables
To improve Builder stability, try to keep spreadsheet-backed rows within recommended limits by deleting unused or historical rows, archiving older data outside the active app, or splitting oversized tables into smaller tables.
3. Limit automatic updates while editing
If possible, pause or delay background processes that modify data while someone is working in the Builder. These can include external scripts that add or update rows, third-party integrations writing to spreadsheet sources, automated workflows that modify large datasets, or temporarily restricting access to prevent user-triggered writes. Reducing data movement during editing helps prevent Builder reloads and errors.
Summary
If you encounter Error 1043, it is most likely caused by:
Large spreadsheet-based data sources
The spreadsheet-based data is being updated
To minimize occurrences:
Reduce spreadsheet data volume
Migrate active or high-volume tables to Big Tables
Limit background or automated data updates during Builder sessions
Following these recommendations helps maintain a more stable and reliable Builder experience.