Dropped Transaction Shows Failed Status: A Bug Report

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Dropped Transaction Shows Failed Status: A Bug Report

Hey guys! Let's dive into this interesting bug report about a dropped transaction showing a 'failed' status in the explorer. This can be pretty confusing for users, so let's break it down and see what's going on.

The Issue: Explorer Displays 'Failed' for RBF Transactions

In this bug report, the user highlights a situation where a transaction was intentionally dropped and replaced by a new transaction with a higher fee (Replace-By-Fee or RBF). This is a common practice to speed up transaction confirmation times when the network is congested. However, the explorer incorrectly displays the initial dropped transaction as "failed" instead of indicating that it was replaced by a fee. This discrepancy between the explorer's display and the actual transaction status (as reflected in the API) can lead to user confusion and misinterpretation of transaction outcomes.

The core issue is that the explorer isn't accurately reflecting the dropped_replace_by_fee status. Instead of showing a clear message that the transaction was dropped and replaced, it's showing a generic "failed" status. This is problematic because a "failed" status typically implies that the transaction encountered an error and didn't go through, which isn't the case here. The transaction was intentionally replaced, and the funds were never lost.

To understand the severity, imagine a user who initiated a time-sensitive transaction. They see it's taking a while, so they use RBF to bump the fee. When they check the explorer, they see "failed" for their original transaction. They might panic, thinking their funds are gone, when in reality, the transaction was successfully replaced, and a new transaction is likely confirming. This can lead to unnecessary support requests and a negative user experience. It’s super important that the explorer accurately reflects the status of transactions, especially when it comes to RBF scenarios. When users see the correct status, it builds trust and confidence in the platform. A clear indication of "dropped and replaced by fee" is much more informative and reassuring than a simple "failed" status.

Steps to Reproduce the Bug

To recreate this issue, the user provided a clear set of steps:

  1. Send a TX: Initiate a transaction on the testnet.
  2. RBF the TX: Use the Replace-By-Fee (RBF) mechanism to replace the initial transaction with a new one, typically by offering a higher fee.
  3. View status in explorer vs API: Check the transaction status in both the explorer interface and the API response.

By following these steps, developers and testers can consistently reproduce the bug and verify the fix once implemented. This systematic approach ensures that the issue is properly addressed and doesn't resurface in future updates. This is a really crucial part of the debugging process, as it helps developers pinpoint exactly where the problem lies and how to solve it effectively.

Expected Behavior

The user rightly points out that the explorer should display a specific message indicating that the transaction was dropped and replaced by fee, rather than a generic "failed" status. This would align the explorer's behavior with the API's response, which correctly identifies the transaction status as dropped_replace_by_fee.

The expected behavior is crucial for user clarity and trust. When a transaction is replaced by fee, it means the user has intentionally superseded the original transaction with a new one. The original transaction isn't a failure; it's simply been made obsolete by the replacement. The explorer should reflect this by displaying a clear message like: “This transaction was dropped and replaced by a transaction with a higher fee.” This level of clarity would prevent confusion and ensure users understand the outcome of their actions. Moreover, ideally, the explorer should provide a direct link to the replacing transaction so users can easily track its progress. This would create a seamless and transparent experience, boosting user confidence in the platform. A consistent and accurate representation of transaction statuses is vital for a positive user experience.

Evidence: Screenshots and API Snippet

The bug report includes compelling evidence in the form of a screenshot and an API snippet. The screenshot clearly shows the explorer displaying a "failed" status for the transaction, while the API snippet confirms that the transaction status is indeed dropped_replace_by_fee and even provides the transaction ID of the replacing transaction.

This discrepancy between the explorer's display and the API's response is the heart of the problem. The API, which is the source of truth for transaction data, correctly identifies the status, but the explorer's user interface misrepresents it. This inconsistency can mislead users, especially those who are less familiar with the technical details of blockchain transactions. The evidence presented makes a strong case for the bug's existence and highlights the urgent need for a fix. It's a clear example of how a seemingly small discrepancy in the user interface can have a significant impact on user experience and trust. The detailed information provided, including the transaction ID and the API response, makes it easier for developers to diagnose and resolve the issue effectively.

Impact and Importance of a Fix

Displaying the correct status for dropped transactions is vital for several reasons:

  • User Clarity: It prevents confusion and ensures users understand what happened to their transaction.
  • Trust and Confidence: Accurately reflecting transaction statuses builds trust in the explorer and the platform.
  • Reduced Support Requests: Clear messaging reduces the likelihood of users contacting support due to confusion about transaction outcomes.
  • Accurate Monitoring: Users rely on explorers to monitor the status of their transactions. Incorrect information hinders this process.

Conclusion

This bug report highlights an important issue in the explorer's handling of Replace-By-Fee transactions. The discrepancy between the displayed status and the actual transaction status can lead to user confusion and erode trust. A fix that accurately reflects the dropped_replace_by_fee status is crucial for providing a clear and reliable user experience. Guys, let's hope the developers get on this quickly to keep things running smoothly!