Difference Between Error and Exception
Exception vs Error
-
Error:
- An Error in Java is a serious runtime problem that usually occurs due to system-level issues such as memory shortage or a JVM crash.
- Errors cannot be handled in our code because they are caused by system failures, not by mistakes in the program’s logic.
- Click Here to read about Errors more deeply.
-
Exception:
- An Exception in Java is an unwanted event that occurs during the execution of a program and disrupts the normal flow of instructions.
- Exceptions usually happen due to problems in the program’s logic or invalid user input, and they can be handled in our code.
- Click Here to read about Exception more deeply.
Below are some differences between Error and Exception:
| Aspect | Error | Exception |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | A serious runtime issue that the application typically cannot recover from (e.g., memory or system failures). | An abnormal, often recoverable event that disrupts program flow, caused by logic or environmental issues. |
| Cause / Origin | Caused by system-level or JVM issues (e.g., memory exhaustion, VM crash). | Caused by Application-level problems such as invalid input, faulty logic, or resource access errors. |
| Recoverability | We cannot recover the error, the program should log it and terminate. |
We can recover the exception using try-catch blocks or throwing exceptions back to the caller.
|
| Types / Categories | System-related only; not divided further in the Exception hierarchy. |
Two categories: • Checked Exceptions (must be handled or declared) • Unchecked Exceptions (runtime exceptions) |
| Examples |
OutOfMemoryError, StackOverflowError, VirtualMachineError
|
Checked: IOException, SQLException Unchecked: NullPointerException, ArithmeticException, ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException
|
| When They Occur | Can occur both at compile time and runtime. | Primarily occur at runtime, though checked exceptions can be detected at compile time. |
| Predictability | Unpredictable and often outside the control of the application. | Can be expected and handled through proper coding practices. |
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