What is the difference between "try" and "except" in Python?

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Key Differences Between try and except
  • 1. Purpose and Function
  • Example:
  • 2. Handling Different Exceptions
  • Example:
  • 3. Optional **else** and **finally** Clauses
  • Example:
• Practical Examples
  • Example : Handling File Operations
  • Example : Validating User Input
• Conclusion

Introduction

In Python, error handling is a critical aspect of writing robust and reliable code. The try and except keywords are used for handling exceptions, allowing your program to deal with runtime errors gracefully. This article explores the differences between try and except, explaining their roles in exception handling and providing practical examples.

Key Differences Between try and except

1. Purpose and Function

• **try**: The try block is used to write code that might raise an exception. This block contains the code that you want to monitor for errors. If an error occurs within this block, Python stops executing the code and looks for an appropriate except block to handle the exception.
• **except**: The except block is used to define how to handle specific exceptions that occur within the try block. It catches and processes exceptions, allowing the program to continue running or to handle the error appropriately.

Example:

2. Handling Different Exceptions

• **try**: Only one try block is used to wrap the code that might raise exceptions. Multiple try blocks can be used within the same function or program.
• **except**: Multiple except blocks can be used to handle different types of exceptions that might be raised by the try block. Each except block is tailored to handle specific exceptions.

Example:

3. Optional **else** and **finally** Clauses

• **try**: The try block can be followed by else and finally clauses, which are used to handle code that should run if no exceptions are raised or to execute cleanup code regardless of whether an exception occurred.
• **except**: The except block handles specific exceptions but does not directly interact with else or finally. However, it can work with these clauses to manage exceptions and ensure proper execution flow.

Example:

Practical Examples

Example : Handling File Operations

Example : Validating User Input

Conclusion

In Python, try and except are fundamental components of exception handling. The try block is used to enclose code that might raise an exception, while the except block handles and processes specific exceptions. Understanding how to use try and except effectively allows you to manage errors gracefully, ensuring that your program can handle unexpected situations without crashing.