Standard for Handling of Exception Error Protocol (SHEEP)

Standard for Handling of Exception Error Protocol (SHEEP) is a maintenance system designed for the handling and transmission of errors within a distributed software system.

Protocol Structure

A dynamic set of errors found within the system is maintained by all members. Before an error can be included it must be proposed by a member, then debated and voted on by the committee.

Each error within the system is given a unique identifier. The format of these identifiers is usually standardised in the early stages of the system construction.

Errors are categorised by sub-type, usually relevant to the domain of the project.

The Committee

GeneRally made up of representatives from each member in the system. The notion of committee meetings is abstract as it may take place around a table in the boardroom or through e-mail correspondence. Members often never meet in person.

Voting Process

When an error is proposed by a member it has to voted in by the committee before it can be included in the error set. In practise this usually relies on a majority system however different weightings can be given to members.

See also

• Exception handling for programming exceptions.