Configuring ulimit for HBase

You can configure the ulimit for HBase using the Maximum Process File Descriptors property in Cloudera Manager.

Cloudera recommends increasing the maximum number of file handles to more than 10,000. Increasing the file handles for the user running the HBase process is an operating system configuration, not an HBase configuration. A common mistake is to increase the number of file handles for a particular user when HBase is running as a different user. HBase prints the ulimit it is using on the first line in the logs. Make sure that it is correct.
  1. In Cloudera Manager navigate to HBase > Configuration.
  2. Find the Maximum Process File Descriptors property.
  3. Set the property as applicable for your use case.
  4. Click Save Changes.