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AWS SQS Delete

Delete messages from AWS SQS queues
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Overview

This node deletes messages from an AWS SQS (Simple Queue Service) queue. It is useful when you want to remove specific messages from a queue after processing them or if you need to manage the queue by deleting unwanted or processed messages.

Common scenarios include:

  • Cleaning up messages that have been successfully processed by downstream workflows.
  • Managing message lifecycle in distributed systems where messages must be explicitly deleted to prevent reprocessing.
  • Automating queue maintenance tasks.

For example, after receiving and processing a message from an SQS queue, this node can be used to delete that message using its receipt handle, ensuring it does not get processed again.

Properties

Name Meaning
Queue URL The full URL of the AWS SQS queue from which the message will be deleted.
Receipt Handle The unique receipt handle of the message to delete. This identifies the specific message.

Output

The node outputs JSON data for each processed item with the following structure:

  • success: Boolean indicating whether the deletion was successful.
  • operation: Always "deleteMessage" to indicate the performed operation.
  • queueUrl: The URL of the queue from which the message was deleted.
  • receiptHandle: The receipt handle of the deleted message.
  • requestId: The AWS request ID returned by the delete operation.
  • timestamp: ISO string timestamp of when the operation was performed.
  • error (only if failure): Error message describing why the deletion failed.

No binary data output is produced by this node.

Dependencies

  • Requires valid AWS credentials with permissions to delete messages from the specified SQS queue.
  • AWS SDK for JavaScript is used internally to interact with AWS SQS.
  • The node expects AWS credentials to be configured in n8n via an API key credential with access key, secret key, and region.

Troubleshooting

  • Common issues:

    • Invalid or expired AWS credentials will cause authentication failures.
    • Incorrect queue URL or receipt handle will result in errors from AWS.
    • Attempting to delete a message that has already been deleted or whose visibility timeout expired may fail.

  • Error messages:

    • Errors are prefixed with AWS SQS Error: followed by the AWS error message.
    • If the node is set to continue on failure, errors are included in the output JSON under the error field.
    • To resolve errors, verify AWS credentials, ensure the queue URL and receipt handle are correct, and confirm the message is still available for deletion.

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