error-messages

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# Error Message Style Guide

This guide establishes the standard format for validation error messages in the gh-aw codebase. All validation errors should be clear, actionable, and include examples.

## Error Message Template

```
[what's wrong]. [what's expected]. [example of correct usage]
```

Each error message should answer three questions:
1. **What's wrong?** - Clearly state the validation error
2. **What's expected?** - Explain the valid format or values
3. **How to fix it?** - Provide a concrete example of correct usage

## Good Examples

These examples follow the template and provide actionable guidance:

### Time Delta Validation (from time_delta.go)
```go
return nil, fmt.Errorf("invalid time delta format: +%s. Expected format like +25h, +3d, +1w, +1mo, +1d12h30m", deltaStr)
```
✅ **Why it's good:**
- Clearly identifies the invalid input
- Lists multiple valid format examples
- Shows combined formats (+1d12h30m)

### Type Validation with Example
```go
return "", fmt.Errorf("manual-approval value must be a string, got %T. Example: manual-approval: \"production\"", val)
```
✅ **Why it's good:**
- Shows actual type received (%T)
- Provides concrete YAML example
- Uses proper YAML syntax with quotes

### Enum Validation with Options
```go
return fmt.Errorf("invalid engine: %s. Valid engines are: copilot, claude, codex, custom. Example: engine: copilot", engineID)
```
✅ **Why it's good:**
- Lists all valid options
- Provides simplest example
- Uses consistent formatting

### MCP Configuration
```go
return fmt.Errorf("tool '%s' mcp configuration must specify either 'command' or 'container'. Example:\ntools:\n  %s:\n    command: \"npx @my/tool\"", toolName, toolName)
```
✅ **Why it's good:**
- Explains mutual exclusivity
- Shows realistic tool name
- Formats multi-line YAML example

## Bad Examples

These examples lack clarity or actionable guidance:

### Too Vague
```go
return fmt.Errorf("invalid format")
```
❌ **Problems:**
- Doesn't specify what format is invalid
- Doesn't explain expected format
- No example provided

### Missing Example
```go
return fmt.Errorf("manual-approval value must be a string")
```
❌ **Problems:**
- States requirement but no example
- User doesn't know proper YAML syntax
- Could be clearer about type received

### Incomplete Information
```go
return fmt.Errorf("invalid engine: %s", engineID)
```
❌ **Problems:**
- Doesn't list valid options
- No guidance on fixing the error
- User must search documentation

## When to Include Examples

Always include examples for:

1. **Format/Syntax Errors** - Show the correct syntax
   ```go
   fmt.Errorf("invalid date format. Expected: YYYY-MM-DD HH:MM:SS. Example: 2024-01-15 14:30:00")
   ```

2. **Enum/Choice Fields** - List all valid options
   ```go
   fmt.Errorf("invalid permission level: %s. Valid levels: read, write, none. Example: permissions:\n  contents: read", level)
   ```

3. **Type Mismatches** - Show expected type and example
   ```go
   fmt.Errorf("timeout-minutes must be an integer, got %T. Example: timeout-minutes: 10", value)
   ```

4. **Complex Configurations** - Provide complete valid example
   ```go
   fmt.Errorf("invalid MCP server config. Example:\nmcp-servers:\n  my-server:\n    command: \"node\"\n    args: [\"server.js\"]")
   ```

## When Examples May Be Optional

Examples can be omitted when:

1. **Error is from wrapped error** - When wrapping another error with context
   ```go
   return fmt.Errorf("failed to parse configuration: %w", err)
   ```

From kaushal-waygood/agentic-self-healing-ci, MIT.

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