Improve health check endpoint to verify dependencies

[dotunv]

Description

The /health endpoint returns a static OK response without checking database or Redis connectivity. This makes it unreliable for load balancers and monitoring.

Current Behavior

func (h *Handler) Health(w http.ResponseWriter, r *http.Request) {
    respondJSON(w, http.StatusOK, map[string]string{"status": "ok"})
}

Proposed Implementation

Check all dependencies and return their status:

{
  "status": "ok",
  "database": "connected",
  "redis": "connected",
  "stellar": "connected"
}

• Return 503 if any critical dependency is down
• Include response time for each dependency
• Cache status briefly to avoid hammering dependencies

Acceptance Criteria

• Health check verifies PostgreSQL connectivity
• Health check verifies Redis connectivity
• Returns 503 when dependencies are unavailable
• Response includes dependency status details

Labels

enhancement backend good first issue

[Okorie2000-code]

Hi Maintainer, I'd love to work on this issue. I understand the requirements and will submit a clean, well-tested PR. Please assign it to me

[Okorie2000-code]

Hi Maintainer, I'd love to work on this issue. I understand the requirements and will submit a clean, well-tested PR. Please assign it to me

[emmyokolo2525-cyber]

Hi, I'd like to work on this issue. I'll enhance the health check endpoint to verify critical dependencies while keeping the implementation reliable and aligned with the existing architecture. Please assign it to me.

[retkatmun]

Hi,

I’m a full-stack software engineer with experience building scalable web apps, backend systems,

I’d love to work on this issue. I’ve reviewed the requirements and have a clear implementation plan to deliver a clean, well-tested solution that meets all acceptance criteria and aligns with the project’s standards.

I can start immediately and provide timely updates throughout the implementation.

[AlonsoGTZ11]

Hi, I’m interested in working on this issue.

I have experience supporting and enhancing enterprise applications in a regulated medical device environment at Boston Scientific. My work included troubleshooting production issues, developing and optimizing SQL queries, validating system functionality, and collaborating with technical and operational teams to improve application reliability.

Although my main experience is with .NET, SQL, and web technologies, I’m familiar with health checks, dependency validation, APIs, and monitoring concepts. I’d be interested in implementing the PostgreSQL and Redis checks, returning the appropriate HTTP status, and adding clear dependency status details to the endpoint.

Is this issue still available for assignment?