5 Python - Error Handling
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Arun Sinha5 Python - Error Handling
Uploaded by
Arun SinhaPython Error Handling 1
Error and Exception
In Python, errors and exceptions are both problems that occur during
program execution, but they are not exactly the same.
Error An error is a broader term for any issue that prevents a
program from running correctly. Errors are usually serious problems that a
program should not try to handle.
Often caused by syntax mistakes or fundamental issues
Occur before or during execution
Typically not recoverable
Example : if x == 10
print(x) // This gives a SyntaxError because of
missing : (colon)
Exception An exception is a specific type of error that occurs during
program execution and can be handled using code.
Occurs at runtime
Can be handled using try, except, finally
Allows program to continue running
Example : try:
Int_Amt = Principle * int_rate / percentage //
percentage = 0
except ZeroDivisionError:
print("Cannot divide by zero")
Feature Error Exception
Meaning Serious problem Runtime problem
Occurren Compile-time or runtime Runtime only
ce
Handling Not usually handled Can be handled with try-
except
Type Broad category Subclass of errors
Example SyntaxError, ZeroDivisionError,
IndentationError ValueError
All exceptions are errors, but not all errors are exceptions.
Python Error Handling 2
Types of Errors in Python
---------------------------------
Primarily of two types – Syntax errors and Runtime errors (Exceptions, as
above)
A third type can be – Logical errors
1) Syntax Errors - A syntax error occurs when the code violates the rules
(grammar) of Python. Python cannot understand the code, so the program
fails before execution. Some of the probable causes can be : Missing colon,
Incorrect indentation, Misspelled keywords, Missing brackets or quotes
etc.
Syntax errors must be fixed before the program can run
2) Runtime Errors (Exceptions) - A run-time error occurs during program
execution.
The syntax is correct, but so nothing goes wrong while running the
program. Probable situations are – division by zero, file not found,
accessing invalid index, invalid type operations, wrong value entered by
User etc.
Such exceptions can be handled in multiple ways (next chapter).
3) Logical Errors - A logical error occurs when the program runs without
crashing, but produces incorrect output. Probable causes can be - wrong
formula, incorrect condition, mistakes in algorithm etc.
Example : a = 10
b = 20
avg = a + b / 2
print(avg) //20
Logical errors are hardest to detect because: Program runs successfully
and No error message is shown
Type of When it Can Program Can Be Example
Error Occurs Run? Handled?
Python Error Handling 3
Syntax Error Before ❌ No ❌ No Missing :
execution
Run-time During Stops ✅ Yes Division by
Error execution midway zero
❌
Logical After ✅ Yes ❌ Not directly Wrong
Error execution formula