What the Hek? Handling API Errors with @wthek/express-middleware

Error handling in Express.js can be a nightmare—especially when you're dealing with custom error formats and status codes. Developers often struggle to ensure that error responses are consistent, correctly formatted, and properly handled across their applications. Enter @wthek/express-middleware—a plug-and-play solution designed to eliminate the hassle.

Why Do You Need This Middleware?

Handling errors in Express isn't just about catching them—it's about returning them in the right format. When using http-error-kit (WTHek), developers often face these issues:

• Inconsistent Status Codes – http-error-kit errors come with structured formats, but Express might not respect their intended status codes properly.

• Multiple http-error-kit Error Formats – Different http-error-kit errors may have different structures, making it tedious to manually handle them.

• Manual Error Handling Everywhere – Without a centralized solution, developers end up writing redundant error-handling logic in multiple places.

Imagine writing 10 different error handlers just to ensure your API responses stay uniform. Sounds painful, right? 😖

@wthek/express-middleware to the Rescue

The @wthek/express-middleware package is designed to seamlessly integrate with Express.js and automatically format error responses without extra effort. It:

• Ensures Correct Status Codes – Always returns the right status codes for http-error-kit errors.
• Handles Multiple http-error-kit Formats – Works with any error format set in http-error-kit.
• Eliminates Manual Handling – Just one middleware replaces redundant try-catch blocks.
• Super Simple to Use – Add it after all routes and before starting the server.

What the Hek?! Error handling just got ridiculously easy! 🎉

How to Use @wthek/express-middleware

• Install the Package

npm install @wthek/express-middleware

• Use It in Your Express App

Ensure you add the middleware after all routes and just before app.listen() to catch all errors.

import express from 'express';
import { KitHttpError, BadRequestError } from 'http-error-kit';
import { KitExpressMiddleware } from '@wthek/express-middleware';

const app = express();

// Sample route
app.get('/', (req, res) => {
  throw new BadRequestError('Invalid request!');
});

// Place this middleware AFTER all routes
app.use(KitExpressMiddleware());

app.listen(3000, () => console.log('Server running on port 3000'));

How it Works?

With the above setup, if an error occurs in any route, @wthek/express-middleware will:

• Extract the correct status code from the http-error-kit error.
• Format the error response based on http-error-kit’s global formatter.
• Ensure that clients always receive structured, predictable error messages.

Why Should You Use This Middleware?

• Save Time & Reduce Boilerplate – No need to manually format errors everywhere.
• Consistent API Responses – Your errors always follow the same structure.
• Effortless Setup – Just plug it in and let @wthek/express-middleware do the work.

One line of middleware = No more Express error handling headaches! What the Hek?! 😆

Official WTHek Extensions

Want to see more WTHek-powered plugins? Check out the Official Extensions List.

Conclusion

Handling errors shouldn’t be a chore. With @wthek/express-middleware, you can focus on building great APIs while WTHek takes care of error formatting and status codes.

💡 Try it out today! And if you love it, don’t forget to star the repo, contribute, or share your feedback! 🚀