Top 10 Differences Between Error And Exception In Java (+Examples)

18 mins read

When working with Java, you've probably come across the terms error and exception—and maybe even wondered, "Aren’t they the same thing?" While they might seem similar at first glance, they serve very different purposes in programming.

In this article, we’ll break down the key differences between errors and exceptions in Java, explain how they affect your programs, and look at how to handle them effectively. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of these concepts and be ready to tackle them with confidence in your code.

Error Vs. Exception In Java

Errors in Java programming are serious problems that occur in the runtime environment and are typically not recoverable (e.g., OutOfMemoryError, StackOverflowError). Exceptions, on the other hand, are issues that arise during the program's execution but can be caught and handled by the program (e.g., IOException, NullPointerException).

Here are the key differences between errors and exceptions in Java:

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What Is Error In Java?

An error in Java represents a serious problem that occurs during the execution of a program, usually due to issues in the Java runtime environment or the system on which the program is running. Errors are typically outside the control of the programmer, and they generally indicate a failure that the program cannot recover from. When an error occurs, the program usually terminates unexpectedly, and it’s not recommended to catch or handle errors using try-catch blocks.

Real-World Analogy

Imagine you are driving a car. You can control most of the things—steering, accelerating, and braking. However, some things are completely outside your control, like an engine failure or a flat tire. If the engine fails, no matter how good your driving skills are, you can't continue driving. The failure of the engine is like an error in Java—it happens due to something severe and typically cannot be fixed within the application itself.

Key Characteristics Of Errors In Java

• Unrecoverable: Errors are usually beyond the control of the application. They are not meant to be caught or handled by the program, as they indicate a fundamental problem with the environment.
• Cause Program Termination: When an error occurs, the JVM may shut down or the application may terminate unexpectedly.
• No Need for Handling: Unlike exceptions, errors are not intended to be handled in the code. If you try to catch an error, it’s usually not a good idea, as it’s a sign of a critical failure.
• System-Level Problems: Errors typically occur due to issues at the system level or in the JVM, like running out of memory or failing to load required classes.

Types Of Errors In Java

Errors in Java are subclasses of the java.lang.Error class. They are typically classified into two categories:

1. Virtual Machine Errors: These errors are caused by problems in the Java Virtual Machine (JVM).
• OutOfMemoryError: This occurs when the JVM runs out of memory and can no longer allocate space for new objects.
• StackOverflowError: This occurs when the stack, used for method invocations, exceeds its limit. This often happens due to infinite recursion.
2. Other Errors: These errors are caused by critical system failures or issues unrelated to the JVM.
• AssertionError: This is thrown when an assertion fails, which is typically used for debugging purposes.
• NoClassDefFoundError: This occurs when the JVM cannot find a class it needs during runtime, even though it was available during compile time.
• LinkageError: Thrown when a class has some dependency issues, like mismatched or incompatible class versions.

Here’s a simple example where an OutOfMemoryError is triggered due to excessive memory allocation-

Code Example: 

public class ErrorExample {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        try {
            // Trying to allocate a huge amount of memory
            int[] largeArray = new int[Integer.MAX_VALUE]; 
        } catch (OutOfMemoryError e) {
            // Catching and printing the error message
            System.out.println("Caught Error: " + e);
        }
    }
}

Output (set code file name as ErrorExample.java): 

Caught Error: java.lang.OutOfMemoryError: Requested array size exceeds VM limit

Explanation: 

In the above code example-

1. In the main() method, we attempt to create an array called largeArray of type int.
2. The size of the array is set to Integer.MAX_VALUE, which is the largest value an int can hold in Java. This is an extremely large value, and creating such a huge array may lead to memory issues.
3. The code is wrapped in a try block to handle potential errors that may occur while allocating the memory.
4. If the memory allocation fails and an OutOfMemoryError occurs, the program will move to the catch block.
5. In the catch block, we catch the OutOfMemoryError and print a message to the console using System.out.println(). The message includes the error description, which is retrieved by calling e (the caught error object).
6. This allows us to handle the error gracefully, preventing the program from crashing and providing a clear message about the problem.

What Is Exception In Java?

An exception in Java is an event that disrupts the normal flow of a program's execution. It occurs when the program encounters a situation it cannot handle, such as invalid input, missing files, or network connection failures. Unlike errors, exceptions are typically recoverable and can be handled by the programmer using try-catch blocks. When an exception occurs, the normal execution of the program is interrupted, and control is transferred to the corresponding exception handler (if one exists).

Real-World Analogy

Imagine you're in a kitchen preparing a meal. You might have a recipe that you're following step-by-step. Now, let's say you run out of a specific ingredient, like salt. This situation can be compared to an exception—an interruption in your plan. However, you can handle this situation by adding a substitute (like pepper) or going to the store to buy more salt. Just like you can resolve the issue in the kitchen, exceptions in Java can be handled by the programmer to keep the program running smoothly.

Key Characteristics Of Exceptions In Java

• Recoverable: Exceptions can be caught and handled, allowing the program to continue its execution after handling the exception.
• Programmatic Issues: Unlike errors, exceptions are often caused by issues that the programmer can anticipate and manage, such as invalid user input or missing resources.
• Can Be Handled: Exceptions can be managed using try-catch blocks, allowing developers to prevent the program from crashing.

Types Of Exceptions In Java

In Java, exceptions are broadly divided into two categories:

1. Checked Exceptions: These exceptions are checked at compile-time, and the programmer is required to either handle them using a try-catch block or declare them using the throws keyword. Examples include:
• IOException: Occurs when an I/O operation fails.
• SQLException: Occurs when there’s a database access error.
2. Unchecked Exceptions: These exceptions are not checked at compile-time and occur at runtime. These exceptions are often due to programming errors. Examples include:
• NullPointerException: Occurs when you try to use an object reference that is null.
• ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException: Occurs when an array index is out of bounds.

Here’s an example where an ArithmeticException is thrown because dividing by zero is mathematically undefined-

Code Example: 

public class ExceptionExample {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        try {
            // Simulating a division by zero exception
            int result = 10 / 0; 
        } catch (ArithmeticException e) {
            // Handling the exception
            System.out.println("Caught Exception: " + e);
        }
    }
}

Output (set code file name as ExceptionExample.java): 

Caught Exception: java.lang.ArithmeticException: / by zero

Explanation: 

In the above code example-

1. In the main() method, we attempt to perform a division operation where 10 is divided by 0, which simulates a division by zero scenario.
2. This operation is wrapped in a try block to handle any exceptions that may arise during execution.
3. Since dividing by zero is not allowed in Java, it triggers an ArithmeticException.
4. When this exception occurs, the program jumps to the catch block, where the exception is caught.
5. In the catch block, we handle the exception by printing a message to the console using System.out.println(). The message includes the exception details, which are obtained by referencing the exception object e.
6. This approach ensures that the exception is caught and handled, allowing the program to continue running without crashing and providing a clear error message.

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Best Practices For Handling Exceptions In Java

Handling exceptions properly is crucial for building robust and maintainable Java applications. It ensures that the program can deal with unforeseen issues without crashing and that errors are dealt with in a predictable manner. Here are some best practices for handling exceptions in Java:

1. Catch Specific Exceptions

• Why: Catching specific exceptions helps in understanding exactly what went wrong and allows the program to handle different situations in a more precise way.
• How: Avoid catching generic exceptions like Exception or Throwable because it can mask other issues. Instead, catch the most specific exception that might occur.

For Example: 

try {
    // Code that might throw an exception
} catch (IOException e) {
    // Handle IOException
} catch (SQLException e) {
    // Handle SQLException
}

2. Avoid Empty Catch Blocks

• Why: Empty catch blocks can suppress exceptions without handling them. This leads to harder-to-debug issues and can make the application behave unexpectedly.
• How: Always log the exception or take appropriate action, even if it’s just printing the exception message.

For Example: 

try {
    // Code that might throw an exception
} catch (IOException e) {
    System.out.println("Error occurred: " + e.getMessage());
    e.printStackTrace();  // Log stack trace for debugging
}

3. Use Finally for Cleanup

• Why: The finally block ensures that important cleanup actions (like closing files or database connections) happen regardless of whether an exception occurs or not.
• How: Always use finally to release resources to avoid resource leaks.

For Example: 

FileReader file = null;
try {
    file = new FileReader("somefile.txt");
    // Process the file
} catch (IOException e) {
    // Handle exception
} finally {
    if (file != null) {
        try {
            file.close();  // Always close the file
        } catch (IOException e) {
            System.out.println("Failed to close the file.");
        }
    }
}

4. Don’t Catch Errors

• Why: Errors, such as OutOfMemoryError or StackOverflowError, represent fatal conditions that cannot be resolved by the program. Catching them can lead to unpredictable behavior and hide critical issues.
• How: Let errors propagate without trying to handle them.

5. Provide Meaningful Exception Messages

• Why: Exception messages should be informative and provide enough context to help diagnose the problem. Generic messages like “Something went wrong” are not helpful.
• How: Include the cause of the exception and any relevant information that might help debug.

For Example:

throw new IllegalArgumentException("Invalid age: " + age + " must be between 0 and 120.");

6. Use Custom Exceptions When Necessary

• Why: Standard exceptions like IOException or SQLException might not always represent the exact nature of the issue. Custom exceptions can provide more specific and meaningful information for your application.
• How: Define custom exceptions to indicate specific error conditions in your application.

For Example: 

class InvalidUserInputException extends Exception {
    public InvalidUserInputException(String message) {
        super(message);
    }
}
// Throwing the custom exception
throw new InvalidUserInputException("User input is invalid: Missing username.");

7. Throw Exceptions Early

• Why: Throwing exceptions early allows you to handle errors closer to their source and prevents them from propagating through multiple layers of code.
• How: Throw exceptions as soon as you detect an error, especially if it’s something the user or the system should not proceed with.

For Example:

if (age < 0) {
    throw new IllegalArgumentException("Age cannot be negative.");
}

8. Log Exceptions for Future Diagnosis

• Why: Logging exceptions provides valuable insight into what went wrong and can help diagnose issues that users encounter in production environments.
• How: Use a logging framework (like Log4j or SLF4J) to log exceptions with relevant information, such as the stack trace, context, and timestamp.

For Example:

try {
    // Code that might throw an exception
} catch (IOException e) {
    logger.error("Error occurred while reading file: " + e.getMessage(), e);
}

9. Avoid Overuse of throws

• Why: Overusing throws can lead to cluttered method signatures and force exceptions to propagate unnecessarily. It can also make it harder to maintain the code.
• How: Handle exceptions locally within methods whenever possible. Only use throws if the method cannot handle the exception itself and must pass it to the caller.

10. Use Exception Chaining for Better Debugging

• Why: Exception chaining allows you to propagate the original cause of an exception, making it easier to trace the root cause of the problem.
• How: When throwing a new exception, pass the original exception as the cause.

For Example:

try {
    // Some code that throws an exception
} catch (IOException e) {
    throw new CustomException("Custom exception occurred", e);
}

Why Errors Should Not Be Handled In Java?

In Java, errors represent serious, often fatal conditions that occur at the system or JVM level. Unlike exceptions, errors typically indicate problems that the application cannot recover from, such as hardware failures, JVM crashes, or resource exhaustion. Here's why Errors should not be handled:

1. Errors Indicate System-Level Failures

• Why: Errors are often caused by critical system issues such as memory shortages, JVM bugs, or hardware failures. These conditions typically can't be corrected by the application code itself.
• Example: An OutOfMemoryError might occur when the JVM runs out of heap space. No matter how many times you catch it, the issue will not resolve unless the system's memory resources are addressed.
• Real-world analogy: It's like a car’s engine catching fire—no matter how much you try to put out the fire, it indicates a fundamental problem with the car that can't be fixed by just stopping and trying again.

2. Errors Can Lead to Unpredictable Behavior

• Why: Catching and attempting to handle an error might mask the problem or allow the application to continue in an inconsistent state. This can lead to unpredictable behavior, data corruption, or other serious bugs that are difficult to debug.
• Example: Catching an OutOfMemoryError might allow the application to continue running, but the JVM may not be able to function properly due to insufficient resources, leading to further issues down the line.
• Real-world analogy: Imagine a factory worker who continues working with a broken machine. The machine might operate for a while, but the broken parts will likely cause further damage or danger in the long run.

3. Errors Are Beyond the Control of the Application

• Why: Errors typically arise from external factors, such as JVM constraints or system-level failures. The application code does not have the capability to fix these issues.
• Example: A StackOverflowError occurs when a program’s call stack exceeds the allowed limit. This is due to deep or infinite recursion, and no application-level code can fix the stack size issue other than altering the program's logic.
• Real-world analogy: It's like a power outage. No matter what you do, your device won’t work unless the power is restored, so there's no point in trying to fix it at the device level.

4. Error Handling Can Lead to Resource Leaks

• Why: If errors are caught and handled improperly, the program might not free resources or perform necessary cleanup operations (like closing files or releasing memory), which can lead to resource leaks and degraded system performance.
• Example: If an OutOfMemoryError is caught but memory isn't properly released, the application could continue running and consume resources indefinitely, causing further crashes or system slowdowns.

5. The JVM May Not Be Able to Recover

• Why: In many cases, once an error has occurred, the JVM is no longer in a stable state. Trying to recover from errors like VirtualMachineError or OutOfMemoryError is futile because the JVM itself may be in an inconsistent or corrupted state.
• Example: After an InternalError, the JVM may be in an unrecoverable state. Attempting to handle the error might cause even more instability.
• Real-world analogy: Think of it like trying to repair a shattered glass. Once it’s broken, no matter how many attempts you make, it cannot be restored to its original form.

6. Errors Are Not Intended for Recovery

• Why: Errors are not meant to be caught and handled because they typically represent severe issues that the application is not designed to manage. The Java documentation states that errors should not be handled, as the handling of such critical conditions is beyond the scope of typical exception handling.
• Example: A NoClassDefFoundError may occur when the JVM is unable to find a class that is required to run the program. This is a critical issue that usually points to misconfigured classpaths or missing libraries, and handling it would not resolve the underlying problem.

7. Handling Errors Can Mask the Actual Problem

• Why: If you catch an error and prevent it from propagating, the root cause of the issue might go unnoticed, making it difficult to diagnose and fix the underlying problem.
• Example: Catching a LinkageError may allow the program to continue running, but the error indicates a serious class version mismatch. Masking this error would prevent developers from addressing the root cause and could lead to inconsistencies or bugs in the application.
• Real-world analogy: It's like trying to fix a car by covering up the check engine light. While the car might run for a while, the real problem isn’t addressed, and it will likely get worse.

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Conclusion

In Java, Errors and Exceptions are both problems that can occur while your program is running, but they are different.

• Errors are serious problems, like running out of memory or the system crashing, that your program cannot fix. When these happen, the program usually stops because they are beyond your control.
• Exceptions, on the other hand, are problems that happen in the normal flow of your program, like trying to divide by zero or opening a file that doesn't exist. These can be fixed by the program using special code to handle the problem and keep running smoothly.

Understanding the difference between errors and exceptions in Java is essential for writing robust Java code. While we cannot control errors, we can proactively handle exceptions to manage unexpected situations in a way that minimizes disruption to the program.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is the difference between an Error and an Exception in Java?

• Error: Errors are critical issues that occur at the system level, often caused by problems like running out of memory or JVM crashes. They typically cannot be handled by the program. For example, OutOfMemoryError occurs when the JVM runs out of memory, and there’s nothing the program can do to fix it.
• Exception: Exceptions are issues that occur during normal program execution, like invalid input or missing files. Unlike errors, exceptions can be handled with try-catch blocks to prevent the program from crashing. For example, FileNotFoundException occurs when the program tries to access a file that doesn’t exist.

Q. Can I handle Errors in Java?

Generally, errors cannot be handled in Java. They represent serious problems, like system failures, that are beyond the control of the program. Java does not provide mechanisms to recover from these errors. For example, a StackOverflowError will occur if a program uses too much recursion, and no exception handling can fix this issue. The program will typically stop execution when an error occurs.

Q. How do I handle an Exception in Java?

You handle exceptions in Java using try-catch blocks. The code that may cause an exception is placed inside the try block. If an exception occurs, the flow of control moves to the catch block, where you can handle the error (e.g., printing an error message or attempting to recover from the error). For example:

try {
    int result = 10 / 0; // This will throw ArithmeticException
} catch (ArithmeticException e) {
    System.out.println("Cannot divide by zero!");
}

Q. What is a finally block?

The finally block is used to write code that will always execute, regardless of whether an exception was thrown or not. It’s typically used for cleanup operations, like closing files or releasing resources. This block ensures that the necessary final steps are performed before the program ends, no matter the outcome of the try-catch blocks.

Q. What happens if an Exception is not handled in Java?

If an exception is not handled within the method where it occurs, Java will propagate the exception to the calling method. This continues until the exception either gets handled or reaches the main method. If no method catches the exception, Java will terminate the program and print a stack trace to the console, indicating where the exception occurred.

Q. Can I throw my own Exceptions in Java?

Yes, Java allows you to create and throw your own exceptions using the throw keyword. You can also define custom exception classes by extending the Exception class (for checked exceptions) or RuntimeException (for unchecked exceptions). For example:

public class MyException extends Exception {
    public MyException(String message) {
        super(message);
    }
}

public class Example {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        try {
            throw new MyException("Something went wrong!");
        } catch (MyException e) {
            System.out.println(e.getMessage());
        }
    }
}

In this example, we defined a custom exception, MyException and threw it in the main method, which was then caught and handled.

With this, we conclude our discussion on the difference between error and exception in Java. Here are a few other topics that you might be interested in reading: 

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