A proxy generator produces computer code for compilation as a client-side proxy in support of client-server distributed software applications. Using information from a software "contract" file that defines the desired functionality of the distributed application, and, optionally, from a configuration file that tailors proxy operation for a specific application, the proxy generator generates proxy code for compilation as a generated proxy. This generated proxy interfaces a client application with a server application, and insulates the client application from the complexities of distributed computing. More particularly, the generated proxy automatically includes exception-handling mechanisms tailored to the software contract for both recoverable and non-recoverable errors. Information in the configuration file determines the generated proxy's response to recoverable errors, such as the number of retries attempted for a given type of network communication error.