Error message

System Message "Visualeditor-dialog-error" pop-up

Error message

An error message is a notification displayed to users when an unexpected condition occurs, typically in computer software or hardware. Error messages are a crucial aspect of user interface design and software development, as they inform users about issues that need to be addressed to ensure the proper functioning of a system.

Types of Error Messages

Error messages can be categorized into several types based on their nature and the context in which they occur:

• Syntax Errors: These occur when the code written by a programmer does not conform to the rules of the programming language. Compilers and interpreters typically generate syntax error messages.
• Runtime Errors: These occur during the execution of a program. Common examples include division by zero, null pointer dereference, and out of memory errors.
• Logical Errors: These are errors in the logic of the program that lead to incorrect results. They are often the most difficult to detect and debug.
• System Errors: These are errors related to the operating system or hardware, such as file not found or disk full errors.

Common Error Messages

Some of the most well-known error messages include:

• 404 error: This error message indicates that the requested web page could not be found on the server.
• Blue Screen of Death (BSOD): A critical error message displayed by Microsoft Windows operating systems when a fatal system error occurs.
• Kernel panic: A critical error message displayed by Unix-based operating systems, including Linux and macOS, when the kernel encounters a fatal error.

Designing Effective Error Messages

Effective error messages should be:

• Clear and Concise: They should clearly explain the problem and how to resolve it.
• User-Friendly: They should avoid technical jargon and be understandable to non-technical users.
• Actionable: They should provide steps or suggestions for resolving the issue.
• Consistent: They should follow a consistent format and style throughout the application.

Related Concepts

• Debugging
• Exception handling
• Fault tolerance
• Human-computer interaction
• Software testing

See Also

• List of HTTP status codes
• Error detection and correction
• Error handling
• Error log
• Error recovery