error-recovery

Provides structured error handling protocol for all agent operations. Ensures users receive clear error reports, troubleshooting guidance, and actionable next steps. Use when any tool operation fails, encounters an error, or produces unexpected results.

$ Installer

git clone https://github.com/costiash/CognivAgent /tmp/CognivAgent && cp -r /tmp/CognivAgent/app/agent/resources/.claude/skills/error-recovery ~/.claude/skills/CognivAgent

// tip: Run this command in your terminal to install the skill

SKILL.md

View on GitHub →

name: error-recovery description: Provides structured error handling protocol for all agent operations. Ensures users receive clear error reports, troubleshooting guidance, and actionable next steps. Use when any tool operation fails, encounters an error, or produces unexpected results.

Error Recovery

On Failure Protocol

STOP IMMEDIATELY — Do not continue with other actions
REPORT CLEARLY — Explain what went wrong concisely
OFFER NEXT STEPS — Provide specific troubleshooting or retry options
WAIT FOR RESPONSE — Do NOT proceed autonomously

Error Response Template

[Operation] Failed

[Brief explanation of what went wrong]

This can happen when:
- [Possible cause 1]
- [Possible cause 2]

**Would you like to:**
1. [Retry option]
2. [Alternative option]
3. Cancel and return to main menu

Please let me know how you'd like to proceed.

Common Error Patterns

Category	Error	Troubleshooting
Transcription	YouTube URL invalid	Check URL format and video availability
Transcription	File not found	Verify file path exists
Transcription	FFmpeg missing	Install FFmpeg (apt install ffmpeg)
Transcription	API key missing	Set OPENAI_API_KEY environment variable
Transcription	Timeout	Video too long; suggest splitting
KG	Bootstrap failed	Transcript may be too short or lack entities
KG	Extraction failed	Project may not be bootstrapped yet
KG	Project not found	Check project ID validity

NEVER Do

Try to work around failures without user consent
Make assumptions about what went wrong
Proceed with alternative approaches autonomously
Leave the user stuck without a path forward

This saves time and money by avoiding unnecessary API calls when something has already failed.