How to Handle Exceptions and Display Error Messages in Your ASP.NET MVC Views

Learn how to manage exceptions in your ASP.NET MVC application by effectively using `TempData` to display error messages in your views.
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Introduction

Handling exceptions gracefully is a critical component of building robust applications. In ASP.NET MVC, you may find yourself needing to manage errors during operations such as data retrieval. This guide discusses a scenario where you encounter an exception when trying to get information while allowing the user to see feedback directly in the view. The challenge presented is ensuring that when an error occurs, meaningful information is displayed back to the user instead of just redirecting them to an error page without context.

The Problem Statement

Imagine you have a try-catch block similar to the one below, where you attempt to retrieve information from a service:

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In this code, if an exception occurs, you log the details and redirect to an error page. However, what if you want to send the error message back to the view so users are aware of the issue, especially in a search scenario where the user may need reassurance or guidance?

Solution Overview

To communicate the error message back to the view when an exception occurs, we can leverage TempData, which is designed to store data temporarily between requests.

Step 1: Storing the Error Message

Modify your catch block to store the exception message in TempData:

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Step 2: Displaying the Error Message in the View

Now that you have stored the error message in TempData, you can display it in your view. This way, users will see what went wrong without losing the context of their action. Add the following code snippet in your .cshtml file where you want the error to be displayed:

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Advantages of Using TempData

Context Preservation: Users receive immediate feedback about what went wrong during their action.

Temporary Storage: Unlike regular session data, TempData is designed to persist only until it is read, which is ideal for error messages.

Cleaner User Experience: By showing the error message directly in the view, you make it easier for users to troubleshoot their actions.

Alternative: Custom Error Page

If you prefer having a structured approach to error handling, consider creating a custom error page instead. This method allows more flexibility in how errors are displayed, including more elaborate layouts and additional information related to the error. However, for quick feedback, using TempData is effective and straightforward.

Conclusion

Handling exceptions effectively and providing user feedback is essential in any application. By using TempData, you can easily store and display error messages directly in your views in ASP.NET MVC. This enhances user experience, allowing users to stay informed and take corrective actions when necessary.

Implementing this approach can significantly improve how your application communicates errors, contributing to a more thoughtful and polished user experience.