Effective error handling is crucial for maintaining a high-quality user experience and ensuring the stability of your application. Here are some best practices for error handling:

  • Use Consistent Error Codes: Assign clear and consistent error codes that can be easily understood by both developers and users.
  • Log Errors: Always log errors for debugging purposes. This helps in identifying and fixing issues quickly.
  • Provide User-Friendly Messages: Avoid exposing raw error details to users. Instead, provide a user-friendly message that explains the problem without revealing sensitive information.
  • Handle Exceptions Gracefully: Ensure that your application handles exceptions gracefully and provides a fallback mechanism to prevent crashes.
  • Use HTTP Status Codes Appropriately: Use the appropriate HTTP status codes to indicate the nature of the error (e.g., 404 for Not Found, 500 for Internal Server Error).

For more detailed information, check out our Error Handling Guide.

Common Error Scenarios

  • Invalid Input: Handle cases where user input does not meet the expected format or constraints.
  • Resource Not Found: Handle cases where a requested resource is not available.
  • Timeouts: Handle cases where a request takes too long to complete.
  • Security Issues: Handle security-related errors, such as SQL injection or cross-site scripting (XSS).

Error Handling Example

Best Practices

  • Keep Error Messages Brief and Clear: Avoid using technical jargon that may confuse users.
  • Offer Possible Solutions: If applicable, provide suggestions on how users can resolve the issue.
  • Monitor Error Rates: Regularly monitor error rates to identify and address recurring issues.
  • Automate Error Notifications: Set up automated notifications for critical errors to ensure they are addressed promptly.

Error Notification Example

For further reading, you can explore our Error Handling Documentation.