Canvas Shows a Cryptic Error When Creating a Group Set

Quick Links: | Environment | Solution | Root Cause |

When attempting to create a new group set in Canvas, you encounter an error message: "An error occurred while creating the Group Set: doFetchApi received a bad response: 400 Bad Request". This issue typically arises when the new group set's name conflicts with an existing group set's name in the course. This error prevents the successful creation of the group set, affecting instructors managing course groups.

Environment

• The issue occurs in the Canvas Learning Management System.
• Affects instructors attempting to create new group sets.
• Triggered when the chosen group set name is already in use within the same course.

Solution

To fix the issue of conflicting group set names and resolve the "400 Bad Request" error, follow these steps:

1. Look for any existing group sets with similar or identical names to the one you're trying to create. From the groups page, check the names of the tabs near the top of the page.
   
2. If a conflicting name is found, choose a new, unique name for your group set that is not currently in use within the course.
3. Attempt to create the group set again with the new name, which should now be successful without the error message.

By following these steps, the group set should be created successfully without triggering the error.

Root Cause

When an instructor attempts to create a group set with a name that already exists within the course, Canvas triggers the error "An error occurred while creating the Group Set: doFetchApi received a bad response: 400 Bad Request". This happens because Canvas's front-end logic assumes that group set creation will not fail, and as such, it does not properly handle or relay specific errors from the back-end. When a name conflict occurs, the back-end recognizes it as an error, but the front-end lacks the mechanism to interpret and display the specific nature of the error. Consequently, a generic catch-all error handler is activated, displaying the unhelpful "400 Bad Request" message. This lack of detailed error reporting can hinder instructors from understanding the real issue, leading to confusion and frustration.

Still need help? Reach out to Canvas support or the Technology & Learning Program for further assistance.