Error messages when localizing software using API

Asked By grahamamie 20 points N/A Posted on - 02/27/2012

Hi, everybody!

I have a question. If I try to localize a piece of software using an external API, how should I handle error messages that originate from this API?

I do not control the API; I merely use it. The error responses are not very structured; Some contain error codes, while others contain verbose details in the text. Others show almost nothing. 

Some of these errors are due to incorrect configuration, which can be fixed by the user while a few are caused by the external service especially when there is server overload. Some are also caused by bugs in my software but this would be very unlikely. 

I want to provide a satisfactory experience to my end-users, where they are able to know what went wrong and what step they need to follow to fix it.

How can I overcome this issue? Please help me.

Thanks in advance.

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Answered By Michelle Bang 55 points N/A #93235

Error messages when localizing software using API

1. Such kind of messages from any kind of API is not the things you want to show the end users. Check the calls of the API and see if there is any null exception that you left unhandled.
2. You can also try looking for the Adapter Pattern. This is one of the finest APIS that you can use for out of the box applications.
3. Also make sure that the data that you are trying to use is translation driven.
4. You can make a list of these things so that during the process of it you can do it a lot quickly than others.
5. You can also highlight the expected fields that can cause the problem.
6. Start enabling these fields one by and see which field after enabling causes the error.
7. That is how you can track down the problem and rest assured this will be the only problem with your API.

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• Posted on - 03/14/2012
• Question Category: Development Software