Errors are inevitable in software, but how we handle them makes all the difference. In his latest article, our CTO Stefan Dirnstorfer argues that a well-managed failure can actually be more beneficial than an attempt to eliminate all errors. By focusing on clear, meaningful error messages, users are better informed, more satisfied, and ultimately trust the product more, even when things go wrong.
Stefan highlights several common pitfalls in error handling—such as misleading messages, suppressed root causes, or vague advice like “Try again later.” These practices can lead to user frustration and lost confidence, even long after the technical issue is resolved. Instead, he suggests prioritizing error communication, fixing messages first before tackling the underlying defects. A clear message not only helps users recover gracefully but also empowers development teams to foster a proactive error culture.
The article also emphasizes the broader impact of thoughtful error handling: recoverability and transparency can enhance user experience and build resilience into the software. When errors are acknowledged and communicated effectively, the result is not just fewer issues but a stronger, more trustworthy product. As Stefan puts it, “Fix your error culture first, then fix the errors.“
