Errerror

Errerror is a term used in computer science pedagogy to describe a meta-error condition in which an error in a program becomes the source of new errors, creating a feedback loop that can consume resources and obscure the original fault. The term is a portmanteau of error and recursion-related concepts, and has appeared in programming tutorials, blog posts, and classroom discussions to illustrate the fragility of error handling in complex systems.

Mechanism and interpretation: When an exception is raised and the corresponding handler fails due to an additional fault—such as a failing logging subsystem, a resource shortage, or a faulty recovery path—the handler itself may throw another exception. This can trigger further error handling, leading to a self-propagating sequence. Errerror highlights the recursive nature of failures in the recovery code rather than a single isolated defect.

Relation to broader concepts: Errerror is related to cascading failures, fault tolerance, and robust exception handling. It emphasizes the need for resilient design in which error paths do not replicate or amplify problems, and where recovery strategies are isolated from the primary system state.

Prevention and practices: Preventive approaches include designing idempotent error handlers, avoiding side effects in catch blocks, ensuring that auxiliary systems like logging remain available, and implementing safe fallback mechanisms. Structured error propagation and clear separation between normal and error paths are recommended.

Usage and scope: Errerror is primarily a teaching and discussion concept rather than a formal term in standards or specifications. It serves to illuminate potential pitfalls in error handling and to motivate practices that improve system resilience.

See also: cascading failure, fault tolerance, exception handling, error handling patterns.