BCA / B.Tech 14 min read

Exception Handling in Java

Quick Summary & Key Takeaways

  • • Subject Focus: Java Notes in English (BCA / B.Tech Syllabus)
  • • Core Topic: Exception Handling in Java - General Topics
  • • Overview: Exception Handling in Java: What is an Exception? When an error occurs during the runtime of a program, it is called an Exception. An "Exception" is an...
  • • Key Concepts: Java exception handling, Try catch throw throws Hindi, Finally exceptions,Java exception handling, Try catch throw throws, Finally exceptions

Exception Handling in Java:


What is an Exception?

When an error occurs during the runtime of a program, it is called an Exception.

An "Exception" is an unexpected problem that can halt the execution of the program.

Real-life example: Suppose you are driving and suddenly a pothole appears on the road. You either apply the brakes or swerve the car.
Pothole (Error) → Exception
Applying brakes or swerving (Handling it) → Exception Handling

Why do exceptions occur in Java?

Some common reasons for exceptions:
  • Dividing a number by 0 (ArithmeticException)
  • Accessing an array index out of bounds (ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException)
  • Accessing a null value (NullPointerException)
  • Entering the wrong type of data (InputMismatchException)
  • File not found (FileNotFoundException)

Example (Divide by Zero Exception):
public class Example {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        int a = 10, b = 0;
        int result = a / b; // Error will occur here (ArithmeticException)
        System.out.println("Result: " + result);
    }
}
Error:
Exception in thread "main" java.lang.ArithmeticException: / by zero

Why is Exception Handling important?

  • If an exception is not handled:
  • The program might crash.
  • Data loss can occur.
  • The user experience can be poor.
  • Therefore, Exception Handling is used to ensure the program runs smoothly and errors are handled correctly.

How to handle exceptions in Java?
There are 5 keywords for exception handling in Java: `try`, `catch`, `finally`, `throw`, and `throws`.

Try-Catch Block (Exception Handling Example)
public class TryCatchExample {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        try {
            int a = 10, b = 0;
            int result = a / b; // Exception will occur here
            System.out.println("Result: " + result);
        } catch (ArithmeticException e) {
            System.out.println("Error: Cannot divide a number by 0!");
        }
        System.out.println("Program is running normally.");
    }
}
Output:
Error: Cannot divide a number by 0!
Program is running normally.

  • Try Block: The code that might throw an error is placed in the try block.
  • Catch Block: This block is executed when an error occurs.
  • The catch block has an Exception object (e) from which an error message can be retrieved.
Finally Block (Code that always executes)

The `finally` block always executes, whether an exception occurs or not.
public class FinallyExample {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        try {
            int a = 10 / 0;
        } catch (ArithmeticException e) {
            System.out.println("Error: Cannot divide by 0!");
        } finally {
            System.out.println("This code will always run.");
        }
    }
}
Output:
Error: Cannot divide by 0!
This code will always run.
The `finally` block is used for closing files, connections, etc.

Throw and Throws (Manually throwing an exception)

The `throw` keyword is used to manually throw an exception.
public class ThrowExample {
    static void checkAge(int age) {
        if (age < 18) {
            throw new ArithmeticException("You are not eligible to vote yet!");
        } else {
            System.out.println("You can vote.");
        }
    }

    public static void main(String[] args) {
        checkAge(16); // Exception will be thrown here
    }
}
Output:
Exception in thread "main" java.lang.ArithmeticException: You are not eligible to vote yet!

Custom Exception (Creating your own exceptions)

If we need to create a specific type of exception, we can create a Custom Exception Class.
class MyException extends Exception {
    public MyException(String message) {
        super(message);
    }
}

public class CustomExceptionExample {
    static void checkNumber(int num) throws MyException {
        if (num < 0) {
            throw new MyException("Negative numbers are not acceptable!");
        }
    }

    public static void main(String[] args) {
        try {
            checkNumber(-5);
        } catch (MyException e) {
            System.out.println("Caught Exception: " + e.getMessage());
        }
    }
}
Output:
Caught Exception: Negative numbers are not acceptable!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Exception Handling in Java: What is an Exception?.
Understanding Exception Handling in Java is fundamental to mastering Java Notes in English. It covers crucial concepts, solved problems, and revision points essential for academic and entrance exam success.
You can read free solved examples, detailed explanations, and key formulas for Exception Handling in Java directly on the NotesMedia website or by downloading the NotesMedia App.