# Error Handling Base

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

- Skill: `majiayu000/error-handling-base` (Agent Skill, multi-file: 2 files)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add majiayu000/error-handling-base`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/majiayu000/error-handling-base/raw
- Safety review: pending (external: skill-scanner PASS, skillspector PASS)
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Coding & Dev Tools
- Author: majiayu000 (https://skillmd.com/u/majiayu000)
- Updated: 2026-09-09
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/majiayu000/error-handling-base

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# 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