RuntimeException vs. Exception: When Should You Choose Which?

Java Exception Handling: Understanding the Difference Between RuntimeException and Exception

Understanding the distinction between RuntimeException and Exception is crucial in Java's exception handling. Often, developers face the dilemma of choosing which exception to extend when creating custom exceptions.

RuntimeException vs. Exception

RuntimeException is a subclass of Exception, indicating that it inherits all the behavior of the Exception class. However, there are significant differences between the two:

• Checked vs. Unchecked: Exception is a checked exception, meaning that any method that throws an Exception or its subclasses must declare it in its "throws" clause or handle it within the method itself. In contrast, RuntimeException is an unchecked exception and does not require explicit handling.
• Programmatic Prevention: Generally, RuntimeExceptions are exceptions that can be prevented programmatically. For example, NullPointerException occurs if an attempt is made to access a null reference, and ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException occurs when an attempt is made to access an array element out of bounds. By checking for null or validating the array index, these exceptions can be prevented.
• Design Choice: In recent times, there has been a shift towards favoring RuntimeException due to the cleaner code it produces. However, the choice between RuntimeException and Exception depends on the specific use case and the designer's preference.

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