How to properly send an HTTP message to the client

Question

I\'m working on a RESTful web service in Java. I need a good way to send error messages to the client if something\'s wrong.

According to the Javadoc, HttpServlet

Answer 1

I'm not quite familiar with the 'best practices' around REST. But I know the concept is based on HTTP and how it is supposed to work out naturally. So how about using a mime type and simple text inside the body for an application error, like 'application/myapp-exception' and some 'Bla bla'? You can provide a client library for that.

I would not use HTTP response codes for application errors. Because I like to know what's failing: whether it is my application or my HTTP server.

(I hope, I'll see some best practice advices here, too.)