How are exceptions handled in Python?
In Python, exceptions are events that disrupt the normal flow of a program’s execution. These typically occur when the program encounters errors such as dividing by zero, accessing a file that doesn't exist, or using an invalid index in a list. Python provides a structured way to handle exceptions using try, except, else, and finally blocks.
Here's how it works:
The try block contains the code that might throw an exception.
The except block catches and handles the exception.
The else block runs if no exceptions are raised in the try block.
The finally block executes code that should run no matter what, such as cleaning up resources.
Example:
number = int(input("Enter a number: "))
result = 10 / number
except ZeroDivisionError:
print("You cannot divide by zero.")
except ValueError:
print("Invalid input. Please enter a number.")
else:
print("Result:", result)
finally:
print("Operation completed.")
In the example above, if the user enters a non-numeric value, a ValueError is caught. If the user enters zero, a ZeroDivisionError is handled. If no exceptions occur, the result is printed. Regardless of the outcome, the finally block executes.
This structure helps create robust and error-tolerant programs. It also improves user experience by providing meaningful error messages instead of letting the program crash.
Mastering exception handling is essential for building professional Python applications. If you're aiming to deepen your understanding and build industry-level projects, consider enrolling in a python certification course.