Throws or try-catch

java exception exception-handling try-catch throws
James P. picture James P. · Jul 8, 2010 · Viewed 58.8k times · Source

What is the general rule of thumb when deciding whether to add a throws clause to a method or using a try-catch?

From what I've read myself, the throws should be used when the caller has broken their end of the contract (passed object) and the try-catch should be used when an exception takes place during an operation that is being carried out inside the method. Is this correct? If so, what should be done on the callers side?

P.S: Searched through Google and SO but would like a clear answer on this one.

Answer

Bozho picture Bozho · Jul 8, 2010
  • catch an exception only if you can handle it in a meaningful way
  • declare throwing the exception upward if it is to be handled by the consumer of the current method
  • throw exceptions if they are caused by the input parameters (but these are more often unchecked)

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