Error code
An error code is generated by computer programs if the program or a sub-program has to be terminated due to an error message . It usually consists of a number, but can also consist of a character string . The decisive criterion is the uniqueness of the code in order to avoid confusion.
Well-written software intercepts possible errors by means of plausibility checks which, for example, check whether the transferred parameters are complete and of the correct type, whether certain commands can be executed , and whether the return value of the function is permissible. If an error occurs, the triggering event is caught and the function returns an error or abort code instead of a result, which the calling instances can use to identify the cause of the error. An alternative strategy to error codes is exception handling .
Bug on the internet
The best-known abort code is the so-called 404 error dead link on the Internet. This is displayed if a website does not exist or cannot be reached. Often there are also 403: "Missing access authorization" and 400: "Incorrect request".
An HTTP status code is provided by a server in response to every HTTP request. A client such as a web browser is on the requesting side . The server uses the HTTP status code to inform the client whether the request has been processed successfully. In the event of an error, the status code provides information about where (for example via a diversion) or how (for example with authentication) he can get the desired information.
Error in the operating system
In the case of operating systems, for example, there are the typical error codes (stop error codes) specified for the blue screen or the kernel panic - the inevitable system crash - which are supplied directly by the kernel and provide information about the cause of the error.
Errors in household appliances
In household appliances , error codes are used to provide customer service with initial information about the direction in which an error could be present. The commissioned repair service can use the error code given by the customer to provide the technician with spare parts in order to ensure a quick repair process. In general, however, the error messages for household appliances only serve as an initial orientation for the technician and must be appropriately validated with specialist knowledge.