What are the differences between checked and unchecked exceptions in Java and when would you use each?

Checked vs. Unchecked Exceptions in Java

In Java, exceptions are classified into two categories: checked exceptions and unchecked exceptions. These exceptions play a crucial role in handling errors and exceptions within Java applications.

Checked Exceptions

Checked exceptions are exceptions that are checked at compile-time. This means that the compiler enforces the code to either handle the exception using a try-catch block or declare the exception to be thrown using the throws clause. Examples of checked exceptions in Java include IOException, SQLException, and ClassNotFoundException.

When to use checked exceptions:

• When the code can reasonably anticipate and recover from the exception.
• When the caller of a method should handle the exception gracefully.

Unchecked Exceptions

Unchecked exceptions, also known as runtime exceptions, do not need to be declared in a method's throws clause and are not checked at compile-time. These exceptions are generally caused by programming errors such as dividing by zero, accessing null references, or out-of-bounds array access. Examples of unchecked exceptions in Java include NullPointerException, ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException, and IllegalArgumentException.

When to use unchecked exceptions:

• When the exception is beyond the control of the programmer, such as null pointer exceptions caused by external factors.
• When it is not possible or meaningful to handle the exception at the point of occurrence.

It is important to carefully consider whether to use checked or unchecked exceptions based on the specific requirements of the application and the context in which the exceptions are being used.