Error Handling Guide

Overview

Implemented comprehensive error handling for the Lystica application with custom 404, error, and loading pages.

Files Created

1. /app/not-found.tsx - 404 Page

• Purpose: Handles "Page Not Found" errors when users visit non-existent URLs
• Features:
  • Modern, branded design with Lystica styling
  • Large 404 visual with alert icon
  • Clear error message and helpful suggestions
  • Action buttons: Go Home, Go Back, Refresh
  • Quick links to popular pages (Dashboard, About, Email Studio, etc.)
  • Search functionality placeholder
  • Contact support option
  • Responsive design for all devices

2. /app/error.tsx - Global Error Boundary

• Purpose: Catches and handles JavaScript runtime errors
• Features:
  • Error recovery with "Try Again" functionality
  • Development mode: Shows detailed error information
  • Production mode: User-friendly error message
  • Multiple recovery options (retry, go back, home)
  • Links to system status and support
  • Error ID tracking for debugging
  • What-to-do-next guidance
  • Quick links to working pages

3. /app/loading.tsx - Global Loading UI

• Purpose: Shows loading state during page transitions
• Features:
  • Animated loading spinner
  • Bouncing dots animation
  • Consistent with app layout
  • Professional loading message
  • Fast loading indication

4. /app/test-error/page.tsx - Error Testing (Development)

• Purpose: Testing page for error boundaries
• Features:
  • Buttons to trigger different error types
  • Development-only testing tools
  • Instructions for testing all error states
  • Safe testing environment

How It Works

Next.js App Router Error Handling

1. 404 Errors: Automatically handled by not-found.tsx
   • Triggered when no matching route is found
   • Users see helpful navigation options
   • SEO-friendly with proper HTTP status codes
2. Runtime Errors: Caught by error.tsx error boundary
   • JavaScript errors, API failures, component crashes
   • Users can retry without losing their work
   • Errors are logged for debugging
3. Loading States: Shown by loading.tsx during navigation
   • Instant feedback during slow page loads
   • Prevents blank screens during transitions

Error Recovery Features

404 Page Recovery:

• Go Home: Returns to main dashboard
• Go Back: Browser back button functionality
• Refresh: Reload current page
• Quick Links: Direct access to popular pages
• Search: Find content (placeholder for future implementation)

Error Page Recovery:

• Try Again: Reset error boundary and retry
• Go Back: Return to previous page
• System Status: Check if it's a system-wide issue
• Contact Support: Direct email to support team

User Experience Benefits

Clear Communication:

• Non-technical error messages
• Helpful suggestions for next steps
• Visual hierarchy guides user attention

Multiple Recovery Paths:

• Users never feel "stuck"
• Various options based on user preference
• Maintains user workflow continuity

Brand Consistency:

• Matches Lystica design language
• Consistent color scheme and typography
• Professional appearance maintains trust

Mobile Responsive:

• Works perfectly on all device sizes
• Touch-friendly buttons and navigation
• Optimized layouts for mobile users

Testing the Implementation

Test 404 Page:

Visit: http://localhost:3000/nonexistent-page
Result: Custom 404 page with navigation options

Test Error Boundary:

Visit: http://localhost:3000/test-error
Action: Click error trigger buttons
Result: Error page with recovery options

Test Loading State:

Action: Navigate between pages quickly
Result: Loading animation during transitions

Production Considerations

Error Tracking:

• Error boundaries log errors for monitoring
• Error IDs help with debugging
• Development vs production error details

Performance:

• Loading states prevent perceived slowness
• Quick recovery options reduce bounce rate
• Cached error pages for fast display

SEO:

• Proper HTTP status codes (404, 500)
• Meta tags for error pages
• Search engine friendly error handling

Analytics:

• Track 404 errors to identify broken links
• Monitor error frequency for stability
• User flow analysis after errors

Future Enhancements

Search Functionality:

• Implement actual search in 404 page
• Suggest similar pages based on URL
• Auto-redirect for common misspellings

Error Reporting:

• User feedback on error pages
• Automatic error reporting to team
• Integration with monitoring services

Personalization:

• Show user's recent pages on error
• Personalized recovery suggestions
• Context-aware help content

Monitoring Integration:

• Connect to Sentry or similar service
• Real-time error notifications
• Error trend analysis and alerting