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How To Get Readable Error Response From Javascript Fetch Api

When working with the JavaScript Fetch API, understanding how to get a readable error response is a crucial skill for any developer. Error responses can often be dense and difficult to interpret, making troubleshooting a challenge. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to receive and decode error responses effectively.

One common scenario where error responses occur is when a network request fails. The Fetch API provides a way to catch these errors and handle them accordingly. By including a catch block after the fetch call, you can capture any errors that occur during the request.

Javascript

fetch('https://api.example.com/data')
  .then(response => {
    if (!response.ok) {
      throw new Error('Network response was not ok');
    }
    return response.json();
  })
  .catch(error => {
    console.error('Error:', error);
  });

In the above code snippet, we check if the response is not okay using the `response.ok` property. If the response is not okay, we throw an error. This error can then be caught in the catch block where you can log it or handle it as needed.

To make error responses more readable, you can extract additional information from the response objects. For example, you can access the status code and status text from the response to provide more context about the error.

Javascript

fetch('https://api.example.com/data')
  .then(response => {
    if (!response.ok) {
      throw new Error(`HTTP error! status: ${response.status}, statusText: ${response.statusText}`);
    }
    return response.json();
  })
  .catch(error => {
    console.error('Error:', error);
  });

By including the status code and status text in the error message, you can quickly identify the type of error that occurred. This additional information can be invaluable when troubleshooting issues in your code.

Another way to enhance error readability is by checking for specific error conditions and providing customized error messages. For instance, you can check for specific HTTP status codes and handle them differently.

Javascript

fetch('https://api.example.com/data')
  .then(response => {
    if (response.status === 404) {
      throw new Error('Resource not found');
    } else if (response.status === 401) {
      throw new Error('Unauthorized');
    }
    return response.json();
  })
  .catch(error => {
    console.error('Error:', error);
  });

By customizing error messages based on specific conditions, you can make it easier to pinpoint the underlying cause of the error and take appropriate actions.

In conclusion, handling and decoding error responses in JavaScript Fetch API is essential for effective debugging and troubleshooting. By following the techniques outlined in this guide, you can improve the readability of error messages and streamline your development process. Next time you encounter an error response, remember these tips to decode and address it efficiently.

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