Add configuration options for sorting

**Problem**
When working with api, the error messages could be more descriptive.

**Suggestion**
Improve error handling and add detailed error messages.

**Context**
This would help with debugging and maintenance.

The issue names no files, tests, or entry points. Start by locating the API error-handling code and clarify whether the intended work is sorting configuration or more descriptive errors; done should be a specific, agreed behavior with the resulting error messages verified.

Written by the indexing model from the issue text.