Manejo de errores

How are bugs categorized in Java?

When software crashes unexpectedly, the user experience is negatively affected and the culprit is usually an error that was not handled properly. In Java, error handling is done through exceptions, which allow an application to continue working even in the face of these problems. In this language, errors are mainly divided into two categories:

Error type errors.

These are caused by the Java virtual machine and generally do not depend on the programmer's performance. These errors are complex to handle and are often beyond the control of the developer because of their internal nature on the behavior of the system.

Exception type errors

On the other hand, exception type errors are directly related to the developer's actions. This type of errors requires special attention since their proper handling is crucial to ensure the stability of the application. Exceptions are further divided into two types: runtime exceptions and checked exceptions.

What are runtime exceptions and checked exceptions?

In handling exceptions within Java, it is essential to differentiate between runtime exceptions and checked exceptions, as their nature and treatment vary.

Runtime exceptions

Runtime exceptions occur during the execution of the application. Before it finishes, they are usually the result of logic or programming errors such as:

• Attempting to divide a number by zero.
• Accessing a non-existent index in an array, such as trying to access index 6 in an array of size 5.

These are known as unchecked exceptions, since the Java compiler does not force them to be handled explicitly in the code.

Checked exceptions

On the other hand, checked exceptions are those that the programmer must anticipate and handle in advance. These exceptions can arise from predictable situations that could alter the normal flow of a program:

• SQL exception: Arises when an error occurs in a SQL query, such as a table that no longer exists.
• IO exception: Appears during file read or write operations.
• File not found exception: Occurs when an expected file is not found in the system.

Unlike runtime exceptions, checked exceptions require explicit handling within the code and the compiler will force the programmer to handle them appropriately.

How can an exception tree be handled in Java?

Exception handling in Java is based on a tree of classes derived from a root object called throwable. This tree is decomposed into categories that facilitate the organization and treatment of different erroneous situations:

1. Throwable: the base class from which all errors and exceptions are derived.

2. Error: Represents problems related to the virtual machine that are generally not expected to be handled.

3. Exception: The main class for all exceptions that a programmer must worry about handling, splitting into the aforementioned runtime exceptions and checked exceptions.

These hierarchies allow developers to anticipate and handle unforeseen problems without interrupting program execution. Devising effective exception handling in Java is a fundamental step in ensuring robust and superior quality applications.

Conclusion

Mastering exception handling is a must for any Java developer. By understanding how to classify and deal with different types of errors, you can create much more resilient and enjoyable software for the end user. As you continue to advance in your learning, keep an eye out for and work with all of these eventualities - go ahead and continue to hone your skills in the fascinating world of Java programming!