error messages
Software failure notifications
Error messages are notifications that software or systems display when something goes wrong.
They range from helpful (File not found) to cryptic (Error 0x80070005).
Good error messages explain what happened and suggest fixes; bad ones leave users bewildered.
The singular error message is equally common.
Crawling creature or defect
- glitchMinor system fault
- crashSudden violent impact
- failureLack of success
- freezeBecome solid from cold
hang · corruption · timeout · overflow · memory leak · exception · blue screen · kernel panic
Error removal from programs
- troubleshootingSystematic fault diagnosis
- logSectioned tree trunk
- stack traceSequence of nested calls
- exceptionDeviation from standard
diagnostic · validation · crash report · backtrace · root cause · breakpoint · watchdog · segfault
Warning or watchfulness
- warningAlert about danger
- pop-upAppearing suddenly, briefly
- promptIncite to action
- notificationFormal notice given
dialog · banner · toast · modal · indicator · beep · flash · status
State of being bothered
- confusionMental disorientation or bewilderment
- helplessnessLacking ability to cope
- crypticObscure in meaning
- unintelligibleImpossible to understand
jargon · unhelpful · vague · misleading · obscure · inscrutable · gobbledygook · hieroglyphics
Embedded software instructions
- instructionsGuidance on how to proceed
- suggestionIdea proposed for consideration
- recoveryRegaining what was lost
- troubleshootingSystematic fault diagnosis
documentation · how-to · workaround · fix · resolution · recommendation · next steps · retry
Manner of expressing something
- copyIdentical reproduction made
- microcopyBrief interface instructions
- user-friendlyEasy to operate
- plain languageEasily understood communication
clarity · tone · apologetic · technical · verbose · terse · actionable · informative
bug
Crawling creature or defect
freeze · hang · corruption · timeout · overflow · memory leak · exception · blue screen · kernel panic · 404
debugging
Error removal from programs
- troubleshootingSystematic fault diagnosis
- logSectioned tree trunk
- stack traceSequence of nested calls
exception · diagnostic · validation · crash report · backtrace · root cause · breakpoint · watchdog · segfault
alert
Warning or watchfulness
notification · dialog · banner · toast · modal · indicator · beep · flash · status · feedback
annoyance
State of being bothered
- confusionMental disorientation or bewilderment
- helplessnessLacking ability to cope
- crypticObscure in meaning
unintelligible · jargon · unhelpful · vague · misleading · obscure · inscrutable · gobbledygook · hieroglyphics · wall of text
help text
Embedded software instructions
- instructionsGuidance on how to proceed
- suggestionIdea proposed for consideration
- recoveryRegaining what was lost
troubleshooting · documentation · how-to · workaround · fix · resolution · recommendation · next steps · retry · knowledge base
phrasing
Manner of expressing something
- copyIdentical reproduction made
- microcopyBrief interface instructions
- user-friendlyEasy to operate
plain language · clarity · tone · apologetic · technical · verbose · terse · actionable · informative · localization
- digital annoyancesspam, pop-ups, ads, malware, viruses
- UI feedbackbutton clicks, haptic feedback, progress bars, toggle switches, checkmarks
- tech problemsbug, paper jam, low ink, dropped calls, bugs
- documentationmanual, manuals, user guide, user guides, user manual
- Nerd HumorSchrodinger's cat, stack overflow, infinite loop, spaghetti code, rubber duck
- technical docsuser manuals, user guides, software manuals, troubleshooting guides, reference guides
message, error, errors, errant, erroneous, erroneously, error message