Explaining the Difference Between Checked and Unchecked Exceptions in Java

Checked and unchecked exceptions are important concepts in Java programming. Let's dive into the differences between the two:

1. Checked Exceptions: Checked exceptions are the ones that the compiler forces the programmer to handle. This means that if a method throws a checked exception, the programmer must either catch the exception using a try-catch block or declare the exception to be thrown using the throws keyword in the method signature. This ensures that exceptions are handled properly, improving code reliability.
2. Unchecked Exceptions: Unchecked exceptions, also known as runtime exceptions, do not need to be declared in a method's signature or caught by the programmer. These exceptions occur at runtime and are typically caused by programming errors or issues that are beyond the programmer's control. Examples include NullPointerException or ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException. While unchecked exceptions do not need to be handled explicitly, it is a good practice to anticipate and prevent them through proper coding.

Understanding the distinction between checked and unchecked exceptions is crucial for writing robust and error-free Java code. By handling checked exceptions and being aware of potential unchecked exceptions, developers can create more reliable and maintainable applications.