/opt/chef-workstation/embedded/lib/ruby/gems/3.1.0/gems/chef-config-18.2.7/lib/chef-config/workstation_config_loader.rb:123:in `pwd': Too many open files - getcwd (Errno::EMFILE)

chef-workstation-too-many-files-open.md

Problem

If you get the following error, the Mac ulimit is set too low.

/opt/chef-workstation/embedded/lib/ruby/gems/3.1.0/gems/chef-config-18.2.7/lib/chef-config/workstation_config_loader.rb:123:in `pwd': Too many open files - getcwd (Errno::EMFILE)
	from /opt/chef-workstation/embedded/lib/ruby/gems/3.1.0/gems/chef-config-18.2.7/lib/chef-config/workstation_config_loader.rb:123:in `locate_local_config'
	from /opt/chef-workstation/embedded/lib/ruby/gems/3.1.0/gems/chef-config-18.2.7/lib/chef-config/workstation_config_loader.rb:55:in `config_location'
	from /opt/chef-workstation/embedded/lib/ruby/gems/3.1.0/gems/chef-config-18.2.7/lib/chef-config/workstation_config_loader.rb:77:in `load'

Solution

Check ulimit

$ ulimit -n
256

Temporarily Change ulimit

$ ulimit -n 2048

Permanently Change ulimit

$ sudo launchctl limit maxfiles 2048 unlimited

Make sure to quit out of terminal and then open again for permanent changes to take effect.