What are common mistakes developers make with checked vs unchecked exceptions?

In Java, developers often encounter issues when dealing with checked and unchecked exceptions. Understanding the difference between these two types of exceptions is crucial for writing robust code. Below are some common mistakes that developers make:

  • Overusing checked exceptions: Developers sometimes wrap scenarios that should be handled with runtime exceptions in checked exceptions, which can complicate the code unnecessarily.
  • Not catching specific exceptions: Catching generic Exception classes instead of specific exceptions can lead to handling unexpected cases poorly.
  • Ignoring checked exceptions: In some cases, developers might ignore handling checked exceptions altogether, leading to unclean, error-prone code.
  • Confusing the client-server contract: When a method throws checked exceptions, it is part of the method's contract. Developers may forget to document this correctly.

Here's an example demonstrating the difference:

// Java Example of Checked vs Unchecked Exceptions public class ExceptionExample { public void checkedExceptionExample() throws IOException { throw new IOException("This is a checked exception"); } public void uncheckedExceptionExample() { throw new NullPointerException("This is an unchecked exception"); } }

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