LysticaProfessional Network

Error Handling Guide

Comprehensive error handling implementation

Technical

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