Proper error handling prevents crashes and improves debugging. Here's how to handle errors effectively in Node.js.
Custom Error Classes
Async Error Handling
Promise Error Handling
Centralized Error Handler
Unhandled Errors
Service Layer Error Handling
Try-Catch Patterns
Logging Errors
Testing Error Handling
Best Practices
Error Design:
✓ Use custom error classes
✓ Include error codes
✓ Separate operational from programmer errors
✓ Provide helpful messages
Handling:
✓ Always use try-catch with async/await
✓ Handle errors at appropriate level
✓ Clean up resources on failure
✓ Log errors with context
Response:
✓ Don't expose internal errors in production
✓ Use consistent error format
✓ Include request ID for debugging
✓ Return appropriate status codes
Monitoring:
✓ Log all errors
✓ Track error rates
✓ Alert on critical errors
✓ Review error logs regularly
Conclusion
Robust error handling improves application reliability and debugging. Use custom error classes, centralized error handlers, and proper logging. Always catch async errors, handle cleanup on failure, and test error paths thoroughly.