Improving Typeshare Error Messages For Better Debugging

by Marta Kowalska 56 views

Hey guys,

Let's talk about improving error messages in Typeshare. Error messages are super important for developers because they help us quickly identify and fix issues in our code. When error messages are clear and informative, we can debug more efficiently and avoid a lot of frustration. But when they're vague or missing key details, it can turn into a real headache. So, let’s dive into how we can make these messages way more helpful.

The Problem with Current Error Messages

The current error messages in Typeshare sometimes lack crucial information, making it difficult to pinpoint the exact location of the problem. Imagine getting an error that says, "failed to parse a rust type: Tuples are not allowed in typeshare types", but it doesn't tell you which struct or enum is causing the issue. That’s like trying to find a needle in a haystack, right? You have to manually go through your code, line by line, to figure out where the tuple is being used incorrectly. This can be incredibly time-consuming and annoying, especially in large projects.

Here’s an example of a problematic error message:

[2025-07-31 23:21:48.594360 -07:00] ERROR [/Users/stewartadam/.cargo/registry/src/index.crates.io-1949cf8c6b5b557f/typeshare-cli-1.13.3/src/main.rs:293] Parsing error: "failed to parse a rust type: Tuples are not allowed in typeshare types" in file "../../git/project/src/outbound.rs"

This message tells you that there’s an issue with tuples, and it even gives you the file name (outbound.rs). But it doesn’t tell you where in the file the problem is. Which struct or enum is causing this? You’re left guessing and searching.

Another example is this one:

[2025-07-31 23:21:20.080729 -07:00] ERROR [/Users/stewartadam/.cargo/registry/src/index.crates.io-1949cf8c6b5b557f/typeshare-cli-1.13.3/src/main.rs:293] Parsing error: "failed to parse a rust type: ["u64"]" in file "../../git/project/src/command_types.rs"

Again, you get the file name (command_types.rs), but no specific struct or enum is mentioned. This lack of detail makes debugging a real pain.

The Value of Helpful Error Messages

Now, let's compare these with error messages that do include the struct or enum name. These are a game-changer. When an error message clearly states where the issue is, it saves you a ton of time and effort. You can go directly to the problematic code and fix it. No more endless searching!

For instance, take a look at this example of a helpful error message:

[2025-07-31 23:21:20.080748 -07:00] ERROR [/Users/stewartadam/.cargo/registry/src/index.crates.io-1949cf8c6b5b557f/typeshare-cli-1.13.3/src/main.rs:293] Parsing error: "serde tag attribute needs to be specified for algebraic enum Attribute. e.g. #[serde(tag = \"type\", content = \"content\")]" in file "../../git/project/src/attributes.rs"

Notice the difference? This message tells you exactly what’s wrong and where: "serde tag attribute needs to be specified for algebraic enum Attribute." It even gives you an example of how to fix it! This level of detail is incredibly helpful.

When error messages include the struct or enum name, you can:

  • Quickly locate the issue: No more guessing or searching through files.
  • Understand the problem: The context provided helps you understand why the error occurred.
  • Fix the code efficiently: You can focus on the specific code that needs attention, saving time and reducing frustration.

Proposed Solution: Enhancing Error Messages

So, how can we make Typeshare error messages consistently helpful? The key is to include the struct or enum name in the error message whenever possible. This might require some changes in how errors are handled and reported within the Typeshare codebase. But the payoff in developer experience will be huge.

Here’s what we can do:

  1. Identify Error Locations: When a parsing error occurs, trace back to the specific struct or enum being processed.
  2. Include Struct/Enum Name: Add the name of the struct or enum to the error message.
  3. Provide Context: If possible, include additional context, such as the line number or field name, to further pinpoint the issue.

For example, instead of the generic error:

Parsing error: "failed to parse a rust type: Tuples are not allowed in typeshare types" in file "../../git/project/src/outbound.rs"

We could have a much more informative message like:

Parsing error: "failed to parse a rust type: Tuples are not allowed in typeshare types" in file "../../git/project/src/outbound.rs", struct: `MyStruct`

Or even better:

Parsing error: "failed to parse a rust type: Tuples are not allowed in typeshare types" in file "../../git/project/src/outbound.rs", struct: `MyStruct`, line: 42

This level of detail makes debugging so much easier. You know exactly where to go and what to look for.

Implementation Details and Challenges

Implementing these improvements might involve some challenges. The Typeshare parser needs to be able to accurately track the context of the code it’s processing. This means keeping track of the current struct or enum, line numbers, and other relevant information as it parses the code.

Here are some potential steps to take:

  1. Modify Parser: Update the parser to maintain a stack of structs and enums as it processes the code. This will allow it to know the current context when an error occurs.
  2. Enhance Error Reporting: When an error is encountered, include the current struct or enum name in the error message.
  3. Add Line Number Tracking: If possible, track the line number where the error occurred and include it in the message.
  4. Test Thoroughly: Ensure that the new error messages are accurate and helpful by testing them with a variety of code examples.

There might be some edge cases to consider, such as errors that occur outside of a specific struct or enum. In these cases, the error message should still provide as much context as possible, such as the file name and line number.

Conclusion: Let's Make Typeshare More User-Friendly

In conclusion, providing more helpful error messages is a simple but powerful way to improve the Typeshare developer experience. By including the struct or enum name (and line number, if possible) in error messages, we can save developers time, reduce frustration, and make debugging much more efficient.

Let’s work together to make Typeshare even more user-friendly. Clear and informative error messages are a key part of that, and I’m excited to see how these improvements can help everyone using Typeshare.