What are the API error codes?

API error codes are standardized responses that indicate the status of a request made to an API. These codes help clients understand what went wrong during the interaction with the API and how to address the issue. Below are some common API error codes and their meanings:

Common API Error Codes

1. 200 OK

   • Description: The request was successful, and the server returned the requested data.
   • Example: This code indicates a successful GET request.

2. 201 Created

   • Description: The request was successful, and a new resource was created as a result.
   • Example: This is typically returned after a POST request.

3. 204 No Content

   • Description: The request was successful, but there is no data to return.
   • Example: Often returned after a DELETE request.

4. 400 Bad Request

   • Description: The server could not understand the request due to invalid syntax.
   • Example: Returned when required parameters are missing or malformed.

5. 401 Unauthorized

   • Description: The request requires user authentication, and the client has not provided valid authentication credentials.
   • Example: Returned when API keys or tokens are missing or invalid.

6. 403 Forbidden

   • Description: The server understood the request, but the client does not have permission to access the resource.
   • Example: Returned when trying to access restricted endpoints without sufficient privileges.

7. 404 Not Found

   • Description: The server cannot find the requested resource.
   • Example: Returned when a client requests a resource that does not exist.

8. 405 Method Not Allowed

   • Description: The request method is known by the server but is not supported for the targeted resource.
   • Example: Trying to use a POST method on a resource that only allows GET.

9. 500 Internal Server Error

   • Description: The server encountered an unexpected condition that prevented it from fulfilling the request.
   • Example: Returned for unexpected issues on the server side.

10. 503 Service Unavailable

    • Description: The server is currently unable to handle the request due to temporary overload or maintenance.
    • Example: Commonly returned when the server is undergoing maintenance.

Importance of Error Codes

Understanding and properly implementing these error codes is crucial for developing robust APIs. They help clients handle errors gracefully and provide useful feedback to users.

Further Reading

For more detailed information on API error codes, you can refer to the following sources:

• HTTP Status Codes - MDN
• REST API Error Handling - Cloudflare
• API Error Codes - Red Hat

These resources provide comprehensive insights into HTTP status codes and how they can be utilized effectively in API design.