What is the difference between error and checked exception in Java?

Sidney 114 Published: 10/17/2024

What is the difference between error and checked exception in Java?

I'll make sure to respond in English as per your request.

In Java, exceptions can be broadly classified into two categories: unchecked exceptions (also known as runtime exceptions) and checked exceptions. The primary difference between the two lies in how they are handled by the programmer and the JVM.

Unchecked Exceptions

Unchecked exceptions, also referred to as runtime exceptions or unhandled exceptions, are those that are not explicitly declared by a method or class. These exceptions can occur at any time during the execution of a program, often due to invalid data, null pointers, or unexpected situations. Examples of unchecked exceptions include ArithmeticException, ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException, and NullPointerException.

Since unchecked exceptions are not explicitly declared, they do not require explicit handling by the programmer. The JVM will automatically throw an unchecked exception if the program attempts to access an array out of bounds, for instance. In this case, the program will terminate abruptly, and the user will see a stack trace detailing the sequence of method calls leading up to the error.

Checked Exceptions

Checked exceptions, on the other hand, are those that are explicitly declared by a method or class using the throws keyword. These exceptions can be anticipated and prepared for by the programmer. Examples of checked exceptions include IOException, SQLException, and FileNotFoundException.

When a checked exception is thrown, the program will not terminate abruptly. Instead, it will attempt to find a suitable exception handler (e.g., a try-catch block) in the call stack. If no handler is found, the exception will be propagated up the stack until it reaches the top-level program or an exception handler.

The key difference between checked and unchecked exceptions is that checked exceptions require explicit handling by the programmer, while unchecked exceptions do not. Checked exceptions are typically used to handle anticipated errors, such as file system or network-related issues, where the program can take steps to recover from the error.

In summary:

Unchecked exceptions (runtime exceptions) are unexpected and can occur at any time during program execution. Checked exceptions are explicitly declared and require explicit handling by the programmer. Checked exceptions are typically used to handle anticipated errors, while unchecked exceptions are often related to programming errors or invalid data.

I hope this explanation helps clarify the difference between error and checked exception in Java!

Difference between error and Exception in Java with example

The distinction between error and Exception in Java is a crucial concept for any developer to grasp.

Error

In Java, an error refers to an unexpected situation that occurs at runtime, which is usually caused by a logical mistake or invalid input. Errors are not exceptions, but they can be caught and handled using try-catch blocks. There are two types of errors in Java:

Runtime Errors: These occur during the execution of code and are typically due to incorrect logic, invalid inputs, or resource issues (e.g., out-of-memory errors). Runtime errors are not exceptions; instead, they are considered part of the normal runtime process. Link-Time Errors: These occur when the Java compiler (javac) or the JVM (Java Virtual Machine) fails to compile or execute your code due to syntax errors, type mismatches, or other compilation issues.

Examples of errors in Java include:

Attempting to divide by zero Trying to access an array out of bounds Using a null reference as if it were a valid object

Exception

An Exception, on the other hand, is a specific type of error that occurs during the execution of code. Exceptions are designed to handle runtime errors and provide a way to recover from unexpected situations.

In Java, exceptions are subclasses of the Throwable class and are used to signal an exceptional condition or an error that should be handled. There are two types of exceptions:

Checked Exceptions: These must be explicitly caught and handled using try-catch blocks. Examples include IOException, SQLException, and FileNotFoundException. Unchecked Exceptions (also known as runtime exceptions): These are not checked by the compiler, meaning they can propagate up the call stack until they are caught or the program terminates. Examples include ArithmeticException, ClassCastException, and NullPointerException.

Example of exception in Java:

public class ExceptionExample {

public static void main(String[] args) {

try {

int i = 5 / 0; // runtime error

} catch (ArithmeticException e) {

System.out.println("Caught an exception: " + e.getMessage());

}

}

}

In summary:

Errors are unexpected situations that occur at runtime, which can be caught and handled using try-catch blocks. Exceptions are a specific type of error that occurs during the execution of code and must be explicitly handled or propagated up the call stack.

Understanding the difference between error and Exception in Java is crucial for writing robust and efficient code. By correctly handling exceptions, you can ensure that your program remains stable and continues to execute as expected, even when faced with unexpected situations.