11. Identify failure cases

What it is

List missing records, invalid state, insufficient funds, duplicates, database failures, and unknown outcomes.

When to use it

Workflow step 11 of 17. Apply before moving to the next decision.

Syntax

11. Identify failure cases
List missing records, invalid state, insufficient funds, duplicates, database failures, and unknown outcomes.

Example

Second database write fails -> rollback both.
Repeated request -> replay one saved result.
Provider timeout -> unknown, not automatically failed.

Common mistakes

Skipping this decision makes later implementation depend on unstated assumptions.

Related topics