InputError

INPUTERROR is a term used in computing to denote an error condition that occurs when input data cannot be accepted by a program, component, or protocol because it fails validation or cannot be parsed as expected. It signals a data-related problem rather than an issue with internal processing.

Common causes include malformed syntax, missing or extra fields, incorrect data types, values outside allowed ranges, and encoding or protocol violations. Input errors are distinct from I/O failures or crashes and are typically reported with a specific code or message.

In practice, INPUTERROR may appear as a language exception (such as InputError or InputMismatchException) or as an API error code. It is also used by data import tools and parsers to indicate unprocessable input.

Mitigation centers on validating inputs at system boundaries, providing clear messages, and returning structured error details that describe the field, expected format, and actual value. Developers implement input schemas, type checks, and encoding validation, and may apply retries or fallbacks where appropriate.

Examples include a JSON parser rejecting a trailing comma, a CSV reader with a missing required column, or a form submission lacking a required field.

See also: input validation, parsing error, Validation error, ValueError, TypeError.