Setting system properties during startup

Modify DataStax Enterprise system properties from the startup command line or file.

cassandra-env.sh

The location of the cassandra-env.sh file depends on the type of installation:
Package installations /etc/dse/cassandra/cassandra-env.sh
Tarball installations installation_location/resources/cassandra/conf/cassandra-env.sh

jvm-server.options

There are three files that control Java Virtual Machine options:
  • jvm-server.options: options independent of any particular JVM
  • jvm8-server.options: options particular to JVM 8
  • jvm11-server.options: options particular to JVM 11
The location of the jvm [8 | 11] -server.options file depends on the type of installation:
Package installations /etc/dse/cassandra/jvm [8 | 11] -server.options
Tarball installations installation_location/resources/cassandra/conf/jvm [8 | 11] -server.options
Use the system property (-D) switch to modify the DataStax Enterprise (DSE) settings during start up. To automatically pass the settings each time DSE starts, uncomment or add the switch to the jvm-server.options file.
Important: Depending upon the JVM you are using, switches may be located in either jvm8-server.options or jvm11-server.options.
Important: Metrics collection is enabled by default. To disable metrics collection, set -Dinsights.default_mode to disabled.

Synopsis

Change the start up parameters using the following syntax:
  • Command line:
    dse cassandra -Dparameter_name=value
  • jvm-server.options, jvm8-server.options, or jvm11-server.options file:
    -Dparameter_name=value
  • cassandra-env.sh file:
    JVM_OPTS="$JVM_OPTS -Dparameter_name=value"
Warning: Only pass the parameter to the start-up operation once. If the same switch is passed to the start operation multiple times, for example from both the jvm-server.options file and on the command line, DSE may fail to start or may use the wrong parameter.

Startup examples

Starting a node without joining the ring:
  • Command line: 
    dse cassandra -Dcassandra.join_ring=false
  • jvm.options: 
    -Dcassandra.join_ring=false
Replacing a dead node:
  • Command line: 
    dse cassandra -Dcassandra.replace_address=10.91.176.160
  • jvm.options: 
    -Dcassandra.replace_address=10.91.176.160
Disabling DSE metrics collection:
  • Command line: 
    dse cassandra -Dinsights.default_mode=disabled
  • jvm-server.options: 
    -Dinsights.default_mode=disabled
Changing LDAP authentication retry interval from its default of 10 ms:
  • Command line: 
    dse -Ddse.ldap.retry_interval.ms=20
  • jvm.options: 
    -Ddse.ldap.retry_interval.ms=20