HashSlap-Summer-of-Code/cipher-vault

Add Error Handling to Python Cipher Scripts

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#9 opened on Jun 19, 2025

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HSSOCIntermediateenhancementgood first issuehacktoberfest

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Description

Description:
Enhance the reliability of the existing Python cipher scripts (e.g., Caesar, AES) by adding input validation and exception handling. This improves the user experience and script robustness.

Expected Tasks:

  • Review all Python files in the ciphers/ folder
  • Add try-except blocks to handle:
    • Non-string input
    • Incorrect key sizes
    • Unsupported characters
  • Write meaningful error messages and avoid crashes
  • Create a new file ERROR_HANDLING.md to document:
    • Types of handled errors
    • Example error messages

Stretch Tasks:

  • Use custom exception classes (e.g., InvalidKeyError)
  • Add unit tests to verify error handling works

Contributor guide

Research direction
Review the Python files in the ciphers/ folder and identify places where input validation and exception handling are missing. Then implement try except blocks for non string input, incorrect key sizes, and unsupported characters. Document the handled errors in ERROR HANDLING.md.
Tech stack
python
Domain
security
Issue type
Feature
DifficultyEstimated implementation difficulty for a new contributor, from 1 for very small changes to 5 for expert-level work.
2
Estimated timeA rough time range for an experienced contributor to investigate, implement, test, and prepare a pull request.
1-3 hours
Activity statusHow available the issue appears right now: fresh, active, stale, blocked, or waiting on maintainer input.
Active
ClarityHow clearly the issue explains the expected change, acceptance criteria, and next step.
Clear
Prerequisites
PythonGit
Newbie friendlinessA 1-100 score estimating how approachable this issue is for first-time contributors.
75