Should You Ever Catch a Java `java.lang.Error` Exception?

Catching Errors in Java: When and When Not to Catch Error

When dealing with exceptions in Java, one specific type often raises questions: java.lang.Error. Should you ever catch this Exception?

Generally, No

In most situations, the answer is a resounding "no." Errors represent unrecoverable system failures, such as JVM crashes or out-of-memory conditions. Catching them offers little practical benefit.

Exceptions to the Rule

However, there are a few specific exceptions where catching Errors may be worthwhile:

• LinkageErrors: If your code involves loading third-party libraries, catching LinkageErrors (failed class loading or unsatisfied dependencies) can provide valuable context.
• Custom Errors: Some poorly-written libraries or third-party components may throw custom subclasses of Error. In such cases, catching these exceptions is necessary to prevent unexpected application behavior.

Considerations for OutOfMemoryErrors

Whether or not it's possible to recover from an OutOfMemoryError is a subject of debate. While it's unlikely, there may be scenarios where gracefully handling this error is desirable.

Conclusion

Catching java.lang.Error is generally discouraged, as most Errors are unrecoverable system failures. However, in specific situations involving third-party code or custom errors, catching Errors can provide valuable information and allow for potential recovery efforts.

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