Should you Specify Exception Types in `except` Statements in Python?

The Advantage of Specifying Exception Types in except Statements

When developing code in Python using PyCharm IDE, you may encounter reminders to provide exception types in except statements. Should you disregard this advice or adhere to the Pythonic practice of specifying the exception type?

The Benefits of Specificity

It is highly recommended to specify the exception type in except clauses. By doing so, you prevent catching unexpected exceptions, which can lead to hidden bugs or difficulties in debugging.

For instance, in database operations, you may want to catch an exception for duplicate entries to update the existing row. Using a bare except clause would also capture socket errors indicating server outages. It is crucial to only handle exceptions that you understand and can resolve. A general except catch-all can hinder accurate troubleshooting.

Exceptions at the Program Level

An exception to this rule is at the top level of essential programs, such as network servers. In these cases, a bare except clause may be necessary to ensure continuous operation. However, logging these exceptions is critical to identify and resolve issues.

Specific Exception Definitions

To prevent clients from using general except clauses, you should never raise the generic Exception with a message. Instead, define specific exceptions that inherit from appropriate built-in exceptions, such as ValueError or TypeError. Alternatively, you can raise specific built-in exceptions. This allows clients to handle only the exceptions they intend to manage.

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