How do I handle 424 in my application?

Identify the root failure from the response, fix it, and retry the entire operation sequence.

What is the difference between 424 and 500?

424 indicates a known dependency failure (client can identify what to fix). 500 is an unexpected server error.

HTTP 424 Failed Dependency — Cascading Request Failure

Warning4xx client error

About HTTP 424 Failed Dependency

HTTP 424 Failed Dependency means the request failed because it depended on another request that also failed, common in batch or multi-step operations. This guide covers everything you need to know about this topic, including common causes, step-by-step solutions, and answers to frequently asked questions.

Here are the key things to understand: Originally from WebDAV for multi-resource operations. Indicates a cascading failure — a prerequisite action failed first. Used when batch operations partially fail and dependent steps cannot proceed. The response should identify which dependency failed and why. Useful in microservice architectures where one service depends on another. Understanding these fundamentals will help you diagnose and resolve this issue more effectively.

The most common reasons this occurs include: A prerequisite API call in a multi-step transaction failed. WebDAV PROPPATCH where one property update failed causing others to fail. Microservice dependency returned an error, preventing current operation. Database transaction dependency failed, rolling back related operations. Identifying the root cause is the first step toward finding the right solution.

To resolve this, follow these recommended steps: Check the response body to identify which dependency failed. Fix the root cause failure first, then retry the dependent request. Implement proper error handling for cascading failures in your workflow. Use transaction patterns or saga patterns for multi-step operations. Add retry logic with the ability to resume from the failed step. If these steps do not resolve the issue, consider consulting additional resources or a qualified professional.

This article is part of our HTTP Status Codes collection on Error Codes Wiki. We provide comprehensive, up-to-date information to help you find solutions quickly.

Quick Answer

Is 424 commonly used outside WebDAV?

Rarely, but some APIs use it for batch operations where one failed step prevents others from executing.

Overview

HTTP 424 Failed Dependency means the request failed because it depended on another request that also failed, common in batch or multi-step operations.