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Error messages for auth setup failures are cryptic #33

Description

@kumarabhirup

Description

When API key configuration fails (wrong key format, expired key, wrong provider), the error messages don't clearly indicate:

  1. Which provider the key was tried against
  2. What format the key should be in
  3. How to verify the key independently
  4. Where to get a new key

Users report confusion when their OpenRouter key is tried against OpenAI, or vice versa.

Impact

Medium — First-time setup friction. Users waste time debugging auth issues.

Suggested Fix

  • Include provider name in all auth error messages
  • Add a ironclaw doctor auth subcommand that validates each configured key
  • Show expected key prefix (e.g., 'OpenAI keys start with sk-...')
  • Link to provider-specific setup docs in error messages

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