Think errors are the enemy? Think again. Here’s why embracing bugs and failures in code (and life) will make you a better programmer—and a calmer human being.
The Day My Car Engine Failed (and My Code Didn’t)
A few months ago, my car engine decided to go on strike. Not a polite, “please take me to the mechanic” strike, but the kind that strands you in the rain at rush hour while the dashboard lights up like a Christmas tree.
And in that exact moment, I asked myself: Am I mad because the engine failed, or because the little screen had the audacity to show me the error?
Spoiler: it was the first. The failure itself costs you time, money, and dignity while you wait for a tow truck. The error message, on the other hand, is just the messenger—a brutally honest, passive-aggressive friend saying, “Hey, something’s wrong. Don’t shoot me.”
Funny enough, I realized this is exactly how we react to errors in programming.
Why We Treat Errors Like Monsters Under the Bed
When people start coding, they treat error messages like horror movie jump scares. Red text in the terminal? Pure terror. Compiler warnings? Instant despair. Stack traces? A sign that you should quit tech and open a bakery instead.
But here’s the truth: errors are not failures. They’re breadcrumbs leading you to success.
Think about it:
- The actual failure is when your program silently produces the wrong result.
- The error message is the engine light. Annoying? Yes. Useful? Absolutely.
Yet, most of us instinctively curse the error instead of thanking it for saving us from hours of blind debugging.
“Programs Are Bugs at First”
There’s an old developer joke: programs are basically bugs at first, and we just fix them over time.
I live by that mantra. In fact, I have a habit of running scripts I know will fail. Why?
The computer is faster at finding problems than me. Why spend 20 minutes staring at my code when the compiler can roast me in 2 seconds?
I’m (allegedly) smarter than the computer. Sure, AI tools are catching up, but last time I checked, I still have the edge in creativity and sarcasm. The machine tells me what’s wrong, and it’s my job to figure out why.
In other words: failure-first development.
How to Embrace Errors Like a Pro
So, how do you shift from fear to friendship with your error messages?
1. Run Early, Run Often
Don’t wait until your code “feels ready.” Hit execute and let the computer slap you with reality.
2. Read the Error Like a Clue, Not a Verdict
Error messages aren’t insults. They’re maps. Even cryptic ones usually point to where the treasure (or bug) is buried.
3. Laugh at the Absurdity
Sometimes the error message is so bizarre it feels like performance art. Take a screenshot. Share it. Make memes out of it. Humor is debugging fuel.
4. Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection
Every resolved error means your code is less wrong than before. And “less wrong” is the only direction that matters in programming.
The Real Danger: Silent Failures
Here’s what should actually terrify you: code that runs without errors but produces wrong results. That’s like having a car that starts perfectly but drives you to the wrong city every time.
# This is scary - it runs but gives wrong results
def calculate_tax(income):
return income * 0.1 # Oops, this should be 0.2
# This is helpful - it tells you exactly what's wrong
def calculate_tax(income):
if income < 0:
raise ValueError("Income cannot be negative")
return income * 0.2
The second version might throw an error, but at least you know when something’s wrong.
The Punchline
Errors are not roadblocks. They’re mile markers. The real danger is when your program runs without complaints but quietly sabotages you behind the scenes.
So next time your terminal screams at you in red text, don’t panic. Smile, take a sip of coffee, and say:
“Thank you, error. Now let’s fix this mess together.”
Key Takeaway
Stop treating errors like enemies. They’re the fastest, cheapest feedback you’ll ever get. Embrace them, and you’ll code better, stress less, and maybe even enjoy the ride.
What’s Your Error Story?
I’d love to hear about your most memorable error message or debugging adventure. Was there an error that taught you something valuable? Share it in the comments below!
Remember: Every error is just a computer trying to help you write better code. Be grateful for the honesty.
Ready to turn your error anxiety into debugging confidence? Check out my upcoming posts on Python debugging techniques and how to read stack traces like a pro. Because the best programmers aren’t the ones who never make mistakes—they’re the ones who learn from them the fastest.