Solution Approach

To address the problem, we can implement custom error classes in TypeScript. These classes allow us to define specific error types that extend the base Error class, providing additional information and enhancing error handling.

Let’s create a custom error class called AuthenticationError for our scenario:

Javascript




class AuthenticationError extends Error {
    constructor() {
        super('Authentication required!');
        this.name = 'AuthenticationError';
    }
}


Now, we can modify our route handler to throw an instance of AuthenticationError instead of a generic Error:

Javascript




function getProtectedResource(req: Request, res: Response) {
    if (!req.user) {
        throw new AuthenticationError();
    }
  
    // Retrieve and send the protected resource
    res.json({ resource: 'Some sensitive data' });
}


By using a custom error class, we provide more specific information about the encountered issue, making it easier to understand and handle the error.

Output (Desired):

Output

In the desired output, the error message now includes the name of the custom error class (AuthenticationError), making it clear what type of error occurred. This improved clarity aids in debugging and enables developers to address issues more effectively.

TypeScript Custom Errors in RESTful API

In this article, we will explore the importance of using custom error handling in TypeScript for RESTful APIs. We will begin by highlighting the problem statement, followed by demonstrating the problem with code examples and error outputs. Finally, we will present a solution approach using custom error classes and showcase the desired output. By the end, you will have a clear understanding of how to implement custom errors to improve error handling in your TypeScript-based RESTful APIs.

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1. Problem Statement

When developing RESTful APIs in TypeScript, error handling plays a crucial role in providing meaningful feedback to clients and aiding in debugging. However, relying solely on default error classes like Error or HttpError often leads to generic error messages that may not convey specific information about the encountered issue. This can hinder effective troubleshooting and make it challenging to identify the root cause of errors....

Display the Error

Let’s examine a scenario where a user attempts to access a resource that requires authentication. We’ll demonstrate the problem by using default error classes and observing the resulting error message....

Solution Approach

...

2. Problem Statement

To address the problem, we can implement custom error classes in TypeScript. These classes allow us to define specific error types that extend the base Error class, providing additional information and enhancing error handling....

Display the Error

...

Solution Approach

...

Conclusion

In this scenario, we have an API endpoint that fetches user data based on their ID. However, there may be cases where the requested user ID does not exist in the database. We want to handle this situation with a custom error class to provide a clear and meaningful error message....