runtime namespace

runtime

Overview

The runtime namespace currently provides runtime.error(), a helper that lets your script stop execution intentionally with a descriptive message. Throwing custom runtime errors is useful when user inputs are invalid, when a required data request fails, or when continuing would lead to misleading results.

Runtime errors halt the script immediately. Use them sparingly and make the message actionable (e.g., “Increase max_bars_back to at least 500”).

Syntax

runtime.error(message) → void

Parameters

Name	Type	Description
message	series string	Explanation shown in the Pine Editor and on the chart when the error is triggered.

Remarks

• Messages can contain dynamic values (runtime.error("Invalid length: " + str.tostring(len))), but avoid expensive computations inside the call.
• When feasible, prefer guarding logic with conditional branches instead of raising errors so users can continue using the script.
• Combine with user inputs to validate bounds or dependencies between settings.

Example

//@version=5
indicator("runtime.error() guard", overlay=false)

lookback = input.int(10, "Lookback", minval=1)
threshold = input.float(0.0, "Threshold (0-1)")

if threshold < 0 or threshold > 1
    runtime.error("Threshold must stay between 0 and 1.")

avg = ta.sma(close, lookback)
plot(avg, "Moving average", color=color.teal)

See Also

• strategy()
• indicator()
• alert()
• input()