Decoding information using error-correcting codes includes, in one aspect, receiving transmitted information that includes original information coded using an error correction coding technique, and using at least one processor to iteratively decode the transmitted information to correct transmission errors and determine the original information. The iterative decoding includes determining that the iterative decoding has become trapped in a trapping set before a predetermined maximum number of iterations has been performed. Some embodiments allow that, in response to determining the trapping set, an exit can be performed from the iterative decoding before the predetermined maximum number of iterations has been performed.