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SOFTWARE ENGINEERING / SAMPLE ARTICLE

An API wrapper is also an error-handling interface

Why the failure path deserves as much design attention as the happy path.

The happy path

A concise wrapper turns an HTTP request into a readable function call. Namespaces and small functions help calling code express intent without repeating request construction.

Different failures, different meaning

A network failure, a rejected request and an unexpected response format represent different problems. Keeping their meanings visible allows application code to respond appropriately.

Useful context

A status code and a clear error message are more useful than a generic failure. Error messages should describe what went wrong without including credentials or other sensitive request data.

A small design principle

A useful interface makes successful calls readable and failed calls understandable. Both behaviours belong to the public contract.