Error Codes
Error codes are standardized numeric or alphanumeric identifiers used in software development to represent specific error conditions, such as system failures, invalid inputs, or resource unavailability. They provide a structured way for programs to communicate error states, enabling developers to diagnose issues, handle exceptions gracefully, and log debugging information. This concept is fundamental across programming languages, APIs, and operating systems to ensure reliable error management.
Developers should learn and use error codes to build robust applications that can detect, report, and recover from failures effectively, improving user experience and maintainability. Specific use cases include handling HTTP status codes in web APIs (e.g., 404 for not found), interpreting system-level errors in operating systems (e.g., Windows error codes), and managing custom error codes in business logic for precise debugging. Mastery of error codes is essential for tasks like exception handling, logging, and creating user-friendly error messages.