Exception handling is a crucial aspect of robust programming. It involves anticipating potential errors, catching them when they occur, and taking appropriate actions. Python’s try-except
block is a fundamental mechanism for this.
The try-except
Block
The try-except
block is the core construct for handling exceptions.
Python
try:
# Code that might raise an exception
except ExceptionType:
# Code to handle the exception
try
block: Contains code that might raise an exception.except
block: Contains code to handle the specified exception.
Example:
Python
def divide(x, y):
try:
result = x / y
return result
except ZeroDivisionError:
print("Error: Division by zero")
return None
Additional Clauses
else
clause: Executed if no exception occurs in thetry
block.finally
clause: Always executed, regardless of whether an exception occurs.
Python
try:
f = open("myfile.txt", "r")
# Perform file operations
except FileNotFoundError:
print("File not found")
else:
print("File found")
finally:
f.close()
Raising Exceptions
You can raise custom exceptions using the raise
keyword:
Python
raise ValueError("Invalid value")
Best Practices
- Use specific exception types for better error handling.
- Provide informative error messages.
- Use
try-except
blocks judiciously to avoid masking errors. - Consider using custom exceptions for specific error conditions.
By effectively handling exceptions, you can create more reliable and robust Python programs.
Handling Exceptions
What is exception handling?
The process of anticipating and responding to errors that occur during program execution.
Why is exception handling important?
It prevents program crashes, provides informative error messages, and allows for graceful recovery.
How do you handle multiple exceptions?
Use multiple except
blocks, each specifying a different exception type.
When should you use a finally
block?
For code that must always execute, regardless of whether an exception occurs.
How do you raise a custom exception?
Use the raise
keyword followed by an exception object.
When should you raise a custom exception?
When you want to signal a specific error condition that is not covered by built-in exceptions.
How can I improve exception handling?
Provide informative error messages, use specific exception types, and test your exception handling code.
What are common pitfalls in exception handling?
Not handling exceptions, using overly broad except
blocks, and not providing enough information in error messages.