Create a list of validation errors in one location #15356

In order to debug a validation error (e.g. tx-size-small or non-mandatory-script-verify-flag), you have to search through the source code and determine the meaning of the error. While many are self-explanatory, some are not, especially if exposed to end users. Therefore, some error message translation is necessary. It would be helpful to have a list of these errors in the code in one place. It would also be helpful for external software application development to have a list and description of these errors in the documentation. Happy to submit a PR if this isn't already being done and if there are any specific implementation suggestions.

An idea would be to introduce error codes so they could be pinpointed, traced to architecture, translated and discussed in an external Wiki. That would eliminate redundant phrasing in the source.

An idea would be to introduce error codes so they could be pinpointed, traced to architecture, translated and discussed in an external Wiki. That would eliminate redundant phrasing in the source.

In the JSON-RPC 2.0 spec codes -32000 to -32099 are reserved for implementation-specific server errors, does Bitcoin Core implement this?

Are you still interested in working on this?

@pinheadmz Probably not at this point. I don't think I have enough information anyway.

Not sure what exactly should be done here. Maybe the error messages can be improved for some, but generally they should be self-explanatory. Recall that the ones you mention are accompanied by an extended description and more specific error message. For example, "non-mandatory-script-verify-flag (Negative locktime)".

The feature request didn't seem to attract much attention in the past. Thus, closing due to lack of interest, progress and direction.

Pull requests with improvements are always welcome. Moreover, it is possible to re-open this issue or create a new issue referencing it, if there is fresh interest.