In software development, when a program encounters an unexpected or erroneous situation during execution, it typically signals this problem by raising an error. This error, arising from the component or function being called, disrupts the normal flow of the program. For instance, attempting to access a file that doesn’t exist or performing a calculation that results in an overflow would cause such a disruption.
Robust error handling is crucial for software stability and reliability. Providing mechanisms to detect and manage these errors prevents program crashes and data corruption. Historically, error handling has evolved significantly, from rudimentary approaches to sophisticated exception management frameworks. The ability to gracefully handle errors contributes to a better user experience and simplifies debugging and maintenance.