Error Messages
TLDR: Error messages are notifications provided by systems or applications to inform users or developers about issues encountered during execution. Introduced in early programming languages like Fortran in the 1950s, error messages are essential for diagnosing and resolving problems, ensuring smoother application operation and user experience. Well-designed error messages are concise, descriptive, and actionable.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Error_message
A critical aspect of error messages is their clarity. Ambiguous or overly technical messages can confuse users or developers, hindering problem resolution. For example, a vague message like “Error Code 12345” is less helpful than “Database connection timeout. Check your network settings or database server availability.” Modern systems strive to provide actionable information while avoiding excessive technical jargon.
https://www.nngroup.com/articles/error-message-guidelines/
Security concerns play a significant role in designing error messages. Exposing sensitive details, such as stack traces, SQL queries, or internal file paths, can aid attackers in exploiting vulnerabilities. Adopting practices like displaying generic messages to end-users while logging detailed information internally aligns with OWASP Top Ten recommendations for secure Error Handling.
https://cheatsheetseries.owasp.org/cheatsheets/Error_Handling_Cheat_Sheet.html
Effective error messages are vital for debugging and improving application reliability. Tools like SonarQube or Pylint help developers identify error-prone code and improve error handling during development. By following guidelines for clear, secure, and actionable messages, developers can enhance the user experience and system robustness, minimizing downtime and confusion.
https://www.sonarsource.com/products/sonarqube/
- Snippet from Wikipedia: Error message
In computing, an error message is a relatively short text message that describes a problematic situation. An error message generally indicates that an operation failed and may imply if not direct the user to a corrective action.
An error message is a classification of information reported by software. Other information can be classified as a warning to describe a potential problem or as purely informational; not about a problem. Additionally, not all error information is classified as an error message. For example, a core dump or a stack trace may be reported about an error condition, but although they are a form of error information, they are not considered error messages. A more abstract representation of an error is sometimes used instead of a message such as an indicator light or a numeric display which may require the user to consult documentation to interpret the error.
An error message can be reported in a variety of ways. For example, in a graphical user interface (GUI), an error message may be displayed in a dialog box. In a command-line interface (CLI), an error message may be printed to a standard stream. A program may write an error message to a log file.
The proper design of error messages is an important aspect of usability and human–computer interaction. When the content of an error message is misleading or wrong, the user struggles to correct the issue and to complete their desired task.