More Explanation by Co-pilot AI

I apologize if my previous response didn’t provide the clarity you were seeking. Let’s break down the information further to help you understand how to implement the full error model using the google.rpc.Status and google.rpc.Code.

Error Model Overview:

Google APIs follow a consistent error model to ensure a unified experience across different APIs, protocols (such as gRPC or HTTP), and error contexts (like asynchronous, batch, or workflow errors).

The central component of this model is the google.rpc.Status message, which is returned to the client when an API error occurs.

Here’s the basic structure of the Status message:


package google.rpc;

message Status {
  int32 code = 1; // Error code (defined by google.rpc.Code)
  string message = 2; // Human-readable error message
  repeated google.protobuf.Any details = 3; // Additional error information
}

Error Codes:

Google APIs use canonical error codes defined by google.rpc.Code.

Avoid defining additional error codes specific to your API. Using a small set of standard error codes simplifies documentation, improves client library mappings, and reduces complexity.

For instance, instead of having multiple “not found” error codes, use the standard google.rpc.Code.NOT_FOUND and specify which resource was not found.

Writing Error Messages:

Error messages should be user-friendly and actionable.

Consider these guidelines:

Avoid jargon: Assume users are not experts in your API.
Explain the error: Clearly describe what went wrong.
Provide resolution: Suggest steps to resolve the issue.
Keep it concise: Users appreciate succinct messages.

Example:

Suppose you encounter a situation where a requested resource is not found:

Use google.rpc.Code.NOT_FOUND as the error code.
Set the message field to something like: “The requested item was not found. Please check the provided ID.”
Optionally, include additional details (e.g., a link to relevant documentation).

Remember, error handling is crucial for a robust API. If you have specific scenarios or need further assistance, feel free to ask! 🚀

For more detailed information, you can refer to the Errors page in the Google Cloud API design guide1.