The Java programming language uses exceptions to handle errors and other exceptional events. This lesson describes when and how to use exceptions.

What Is an Exception?

An exception is an event that occurs during the execution of a program that disrupts the normal flow of instructions.

The Catch or Specify Requirement

This section covers how to catch and handle exceptions. The discussion includes the try, catch, and finally blocks, as well as chained exceptions and logging.

How to Throw Exceptions

This section covers the throw statement and the Throwable class and its subclasses.

Unchecked Exceptions—The Controversy

This section explains the correct and incorrect use of the unchecked exceptions indicated by subclasses of RuntimeException.

Advantages of Exceptions

The use of exceptions to manage errors has some advantages over traditional error-management techniques. You'll learn more in this section.

Summary

Questions and Exercises