How to handle common errors when using the Instagram API?

When working with the Instagram API, common errors may arise. Here's a guide on how to handle them effectively:

1. Authentication Errors

Error: 401 Unauthorized
Solution: Ensure your access token is valid and hasn't expired. If expired, regenerate it through the Instagram Developer Portal.

2. Rate Limit Exceeded

Error: 429 Too Many Requests
Solution: Instagram limits the number of requests per hour. Implement a delay (e.g., using time.sleep()) and back off when you reach the limit.

3. Permission Errors

Error: 403 Forbidden
Solution: Make sure your app has the necessary permissions. Double-check the user authorization and verify that all required scopes are granted.

4. Resource Not Found

Error: 404 Not Found
Solution: Ensure the endpoint you're calling is correct and the resource (user or media) exists. Also, verify the user's privacy settings.

5. Server Errors

Error: 500 Internal Server Error or 502 Bad Gateway
Solution: These are server-side issues. Retry the request after a short delay or log the error and wait for the server to recover.

6. Malformed Request

Error: 400 Bad Request
Solution: Double-check your request parameters (e.g., fields, ids). Ensure you're following the correct API endpoint format and sending valid data.

7. API Deprecation

Error: API changes leading to outdated endpoints.
Solution: Keep track of Instagram API changes via their official documentation and update your API usage accordingly.

Handling API Errors in Code (Python Example):

import requests
import time

def make_request(url, headers):
    try:
        response = requests.get(url, headers=headers)
        response.raise_for_status()  # Will raise HTTPError for bad responses (4xx or 5xx)
        return response.json()
    except requests.exceptions.HTTPError as errh:
        if errh.response.status_code == 429:
            print("Rate limit exceeded. Retrying after 60 seconds...")
            time.sleep(60)  # Wait before retrying
        elif errh.response.status_code == 401:
            print("Unauthorized. Check your credentials.")
        elif errh.response.status_code == 403:
            print("Forbidden. Check permissions.")
        elif errh.response.status_code == 404:
            print("Resource not found.")
        else:
            print(f"HTTP error occurred: {errh}")
    except requests.exceptions.RequestException as e:
        print(f"An error occurred: {e}")

# Example usage
url = "https://api.instagram.com/v1/users/self/media/recent/"
headers = {"Authorization": "Bearer YOUR_ACCESS_TOKEN"}
data = make_request(url, headers)

General Tips:

Retry logic: Implement retry logic for transient errors.
Logging: Log all errors to track issues and fix them promptly.
Error Codes: Familiarize yourself with Instagram API error codes to handle specific cases effectively.

Refer to the GitHub repository for further implementation details and improvements.