Agent skill · software engineering · wshobson
python-error-handling
Python error handling patterns including input validation, exception hierarchies, and partial failure handling. Use when implementing validation logic, designing exception strategies, handling batch processing failures, or building robust APIs.
Why this skill is useful
Provides specific patterns and practices for error handling in Python that enhance robustness and reliability in applications.
What it needs
About 3k tokens when loaded. Last updated 2026-08-05. 38,570 stars on the source repository.
What this skill does
Python Error Handling Build robust Python applications with proper input validation, meaningful exceptions, and graceful failure handling. Good error handling makes debugging easier and systems more reliable. When to Use This Skill Validating user input and API parameters Designing exception hierarchies for applications Handling partial failures in batch operations Converting external data to domain types Building user-friendly error messages Implementing fail-fast validation patterns Core Concepts 1. Fail Fast Validate inputs early, before expensive operations. Report all validation errors at once when possible. 2. Meaningful Exceptions Use appropriate exception types with context. Messages should explain what failed, why, and how to fix it. 3. Partial Failures In batch operations, don't let one failure abort everything. Track successes and failures separately. 4. Preserve Context Chain exceptions to maintain the full error trail for debugging. Quick Start Fundamental Patterns Pattern 1: Early Input Validation Validate all inputs at API boundaries before any processing begins. Pattern 2: Convert to Domain Types Early Parse strings and external data into typed domain objects at system boundaries. Pattern 3: Pydantic for Complex Validation Use Pydantic models for structured input validation with automatic error messages. Pattern 4: Map Errors to Standard Exceptions Use Python's built-in exception types appropriately, adding context as needed. Failure Type Exception Example -------------- ----------- --------- Invalid input ValueError Bad parameter values Wrong type TypeError Expected string, got int Missing item KeyError Dict key not found Operational failure RuntimeError Service unavailable Timeout TimeoutError Operation took too long File not found FileNotFoundError Path doesn't exist Permission denied PermissionError Access forbidden Detailed worked examples and patterns Detailed sections (starting with ## Advanced Patterns) live in references/details.md. …
How to use it
Reference it in AdaL, Claude Code, Cursor or any coding agent — nothing to install:
@skills wshobson/python-error-handling