Posted by In backend development, especially with Java and Spring Boot, handling exceptions is a daily challenge. One common question is: Should we return the exact exception message to the client?
On one hand, returning detailed exception messages can help clients debug issues faster and improve the developer experience. On the other hand, exposing internal exception details might reveal sensitive information, increase security risks, and make your API harder to maintain.
Best practices often suggest returning user-friendly, generic error messages to clients, while logging the detailed exception internally for troubleshooting. This approach keeps your API secure and professional, but it might slow down debugging for client developers.
So, what’s the right balance?
How do you handle exception messages in your APIs?
Do you prefer transparency for faster debugging, or do you prioritize security and abstraction?
Let’s discuss! Share your experiences and opinions in the comments below. 🚀