EXCEPTION HANDLING Meaning and
Definition
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Exception handling is a crucial concept in computer programming, where it refers to the process of dealing with unexpected or abnormal situations that can occur during the execution of a program. When an exception, such as an error or an unexpected event, arises, it disrupts the normal flow of the program's execution. Exception handling enables programmers to gracefully manage and recover from such disruptions, ensuring the program does not abruptly terminate and allows for appropriate actions to be taken.
In order to handle exceptions, programmers use specialized constructs and techniques. These typically include try-catch blocks, which enclose the code that might give rise to an exception. Within the try block, the programmer writes the code that may cause potential exceptions. If an exception is encountered, the catch block(s) will perform the necessary code to handle the exception.
Exception handling serves several purposes. Firstly, it prevents program crashes and unexpected terminations that can result from unhandled exceptions. Secondly, it allows programmers to provide meaningful error messages or notifications to users, providing them with information about what went wrong and how to resolve it. Moreover, exception handling facilitates the orderly execution of code by enabling proper recovery or fallback mechanisms in cases of exceptions.
By incorporating exception handling into their programs, developers can enhance the overall robustness, reliability, and resilience of their software systems, leading to enhanced user experience and improved maintainability.
Etymology of EXCEPTION HANDLING
The word "exception" comes from the Latin word "exceptio", which means an act of excluding or taking out. The term "handling" is derived from the Old English word "handlian", which means to touch or manage. So, when combined, "exception handling" refers to the process of managing or dealing with exceptions (unexpected events or errors) in programming or problem-solving contexts.
