Best Practices for Error Handling in React Applications

What are the different types of errors in React?

Errors in React Native refer to issues that may arise when developing or running a React Native application. These problems can manifest as simple syntax slip-ups or more complex runtime issues.

Let’s discuss the most common types of React Native errors to help you troubleshoot like a pro.

• Syntax errors: Errors that occur when there are mistakes in the code syntax, such as missing commas, brackets, etc.

• Reference errors: These errors materialize when a variable or function remains undefined in the code.

• Type errors: Errors that occur in a program when you use the wrong type of data for an operation.

• Component lifecycle errors: Errors that arise from mishandling component lifecycle methods, resulting in problems like memory leaks and incorrect state updates.

• Async function errors: Errors that arise due to challenges in managing asynchronous code.

• Network errors: These are issues related to network requests, such as failed API calls, timeouts, or connectivity problems. 

Best practices for handling React errors 

Detecting and managing errors in React requires implementing practical strategies. By implementing these, you can efficiently identify, log, and resolve errors, reducing disruptions and improving app stability.

Code review

To correct syntax errors in code, carefully examine for the following: 

• Missing or improperly placed punctuation (e.g. commas, semicolons, parentheses, etc.). 

• Inaccurate variable or function names. 

• Improper syntax usage, as indicated by error messages. 

• Typos and spelling mistakes. 

Code review principles

The principles of code review are guidelines that help ensure the process is effective, constructive, and beneficial for both the codebase and the development team. Here are some key principles:

1. Code readability and maintainability

• Consistent naming: Use clear, meaningful names for variables, functions, and classes.

• Comments: Use comments only when necessary for explaining complex logic.

• Modular design: Break code into smaller, reusable functions or classes.

• Style guides: Follow coding standards for consistency.

For example, ensure functions like calculateAgeFromBirthdate have descriptive names and clear logic. The code should be easy to understand even without comments, which will help future developers who might work on it.

2. Correctness and functionality

• Test coverage: Ensure unit and integration tests cover all scenarios, including edge cases.

• Logical flow: Verify correct control flow and handle edge cases appropriately.

• Error handling: Implement informative error messages and recovery strategies.

For example, check that data-processing functions properly handle invalid inputs and log errors. Verifying that the code performs the intended functionality correctly is vital for avoiding bugs.

3. Performance and efficiency

• Algorithm efficiency: Choose efficient algorithms and data structures.

• Resource management: Properly manage memory and resources to avoid leaks.

• Optimization: Optimize code in critical paths without sacrificing readability.

For example, more efficient algorithms or data structures, like replacing nested loops with hash maps, can be used to avert bottlenecks and optimize loops processing large datasets. It will prevent performance issues, especially in critical sections of the application.

Try-catch blocks

Using a try-catch block enables you to manage errors that may arise during the execution of a code block.

When working with synchronous code, you can wrap “risky operations” in a try-catch block to handle any potential errors.

However, when dealing with asynchronous code, utilizing try-catch with the “async/await” syntax offers a better approach for handling errors from operations such as network requests.

Promise.catch()

Using the “.catch()” method allows for straightforward error handling when working with promises.

In the following example, the promise will be rejected because success is set to false. The “.catch()” method catches the rejection and logs the error message to the console.

Error boundaries

An error boundary is a React component that implements either or both of the following lifecycle methods:

• static getDerivedStateFromError(error)

• componentDidCatch(error, info)

These methods are used to catch errors in any components below them in the component tree, providing a fallback UI. They make React applications more robust and user-friendly by smoothly handling problems that would otherwise cause the app to break.

User-friendly error messages

Inform the user about errors in a straightforward way and provide a fallback UI so that they are not left with a blank screen.

Types of messages 

• Clear messages: The error messages are clear and specific, such as “Please enter both your email and password” or “Please enter a valid email address.”

• Validation: Validating the input before sending a request is crucial to ensure its accuracy. It helps minimize errors and ensures that the user input is correct.

• Helpful feedback: If the login credentials are incorrect, the message guides the user to try again with “Incorrect email or password. Please try again.”

• Fallback message: A generic error message “Something went wrong. Please try again later.” is provided for unexpected errors, ensuring the user is informed even if the issue is unknown.

This approach guarantees that users will receive valuable and beneficial feedback, improving their experience.

Key principles for crafting user-friendly error messages

Crafting user-friendly error messages is essential for providing a positive user experience, even when things go wrong. Here are a few fundamental principles to follow:

• Clarity and simplicity: Use straightforward and uncomplicated language that people easily understand without a technical background. Avoid using technical terms and complex jargon.

• Empathy and reassurance: Phrase messages politely, acknowledging the user’s frustration and inconveniences that might have been caused. Show that you understand the user’s issue and that you’re there to help.

• Actionable guidance: Provide clear instructions or options for users to resolve the issue. If possible, provide links to help resources or FAQs to assist them further.

• Fallback UI: Design an alternative interface that ensures sustained user engagement. Incorporate visuals or animations to mitigate the impact of potential errors.

Global error handling

a) Uncaught exceptions

To handle uncaught exceptions globally in React Native, use the “ErrorUtils” object to set a global error handler.

b) Unhandled promise rejections

Unhandled promise rejections happen when a promise is rejected without a corresponding .catch() or await. To ensure comprehensive error handling for unhandled promise rejections, use the “unhandledrejection” event.

How does UXCam help in dealing with React errors?

UXCam is an industry-leading analytics platform tailored to meet the needs of React Native developers. Our main objective is to offer in-depth visibility into user interactions, app performance, and any potential challenges.

With UXCam, you can quickly identify and resolve mobile app issues and stay informed about crashes and bugs. It automatically detects problems like crashes and UI freezes and handles exceptions.

For example, Placemakers doubled their sales after finding issues with their new feature using UXCam’s session recordings, heatmaps, and event analytics.

Let’s take a look at how UXCam handles React Native errors. 

1. Session replays

UXCam’s high-fidelity session recordings capture all user interactions. You can replay those sessions and understand user context, making reproducing and debugging issues easier.

2. Crash analytics

UXCam includes a crash reporting feature that records and monitors app crashes, providing in-depth details such as stack traces, device info, and user actions preceding the crash.

3. Heatmaps

Discover the power of UXCam’s heatmaps explicitly designed for React Native apps. These heatmaps provide visual insights into user interactions, capturing taps, swipes, and areas of focus. Gain the ability to identify areas that need improvement within your app’s UI.

4. Event logging 

Log custom events and interactions within the app to monitor user actions and pinpoint the sequences that result in errors.

5. Performance monitoring

UXCam monitors app performance metrics such as loading times, screen transition times, and overall responsiveness. Poor performance can often lead to errors or crashes, and analyzing these metrics aids in proactively handling issues.

Use UXCam to gain insights into React Native errors

Successful error handling in React Native requires a mix of proactive actions, clear communication with users, and practical debugging methods.

By integrating UXCam into your React Native app, you’ll gain valuable insights that can help you identify and resolve various errors. Sign up for a free UXCam account and join the countless mobile brands that benefit from our superior error handling.

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