6 Async JavaScript Patterns That Prevent Partial Failures in Production

Most async code works fine until one step fails halfway through a workflow. Then you get double charges, missing data, or silent corruption. These patterns fix that. 1. Replace Sequential Awaits With Compensated Steps Sequential code looks clean but breaks on partial failure. Before async function processOrder(orderId: string) { const order = await fetchOrder(orderId) const payment = await chargeCustomer(order.customerId, order.total) const shipment = await createShipment(order.items, order.address) return { order, payment, shipment } } If shipment fails, payment is already done. No rollback. After async function processOrder(orderId: string) { const order = await fetchOrder(orderId) let payment try { payment = await chargeCustomer(order.customerId, order.total) } catch { throw new Error('PAYMENT_FAILED') } try { const shipment = await createShipment(order.items, order.address) return { order, payment, shipment } } catch { await refundPayment(payment.id).catch(() => { logger.fatal('