AI agent skill · by @Dicklesworthstone

Error Handling Base

Foundation for error handling patterns. This is a base skill designed to be extended by language-specific error handling skills.

Archived 2026-10-23 · Source updated 2026-09-18. Check the original repository for the latest version.

SKILL.md instructions

# Error Handling Base

> **Core insight:** Good error handling is about communication - to users, developers, and monitoring systems.

## Rules

- Always handle errors explicitly - never ignore them
- Use meaningful error messages that describe what went wrong
- Include context in error messages (what was being attempted)
- Log errors at appropriate levels (error vs warning vs info)
- Distinguish between recoverable and unrecoverable errors

## Pitfalls

- Swallowing exceptions without logging
- Using generic error messages like "An error occurred"
- Exposing internal implementation details in user-facing errors
- Catching broad exception types when specific ones are needed

## Examples

```
// Bad: Generic error
throw new Error("Error");

// Good: Descriptive error with context
throw new Error(`Failed to parse config file '${filename}': ${parseError.message}`);
```

## Checklist

- [ ] All error paths are handled explicitly
- [ ] Error messages are actionable and descriptive
- [ ] Sensitive information is not leaked in errors
- [ ] Errors are logged before being re-thrown or converted