1. Introduction
- Why Study This Topic?
Built-in exceptions in Python help identify and handle runtime errors effectively. They provide a structured way to manage issues like invalid inputs, missing files, and type mismatches, making programs more robust and user-friendly. - What Will Be Covered?
- Definition and types of built-in exceptions
- Common exceptions and their causes
- Handling exceptions using
try-except-finally - Best practices for error management
2. Detailed Content
What are Built-in Exceptions?
Built-in exceptions are predefined error classes in Python that occur during program execution due to logical or operational errors. These built-in exceptions in Python are automatically raised when an issue arises.
2.1 Common Built-in Exceptions
| Exception | Description |
|---|---|
ZeroDivisionError | Raised when dividing by zero. |
ValueError | Occurs when a function receives an invalid argument. |
TypeError | Raised when an operation is performed on an incompatible type. |
IndexError | Accessing an invalid list index. |
KeyError | Raised when a dictionary key is not found. |
FileNotFoundError | Occurs when attempting to open a non-existent file. |
NameError | Raised when referencing an undefined variable. |
AttributeError | Accessing an invalid attribute of an object. |
2.2 Handling Built-in Exceptions
Using Try-Except to Handle Exceptions
pythonCopyEdittry:
num = int(input("Enter a number: "))
result = 10 / num
except ZeroDivisionError:
print("Cannot divide by zero.")
except ValueError:
print("Invalid input. Please enter a number.")
Explanation:
- The
tryblock runs the code that may raise an exception. - The
exceptblock catches and handles specific errors, particularly built-in exceptions in Python.
Using Finally for Cleanup
pythonCopyEdittry:
file = open("data.txt", "r")
finally:
file.close()
print("File closed.")
Explanation:
- The
finallyblock runs regardless of whether an exception occurs. - It ensures that necessary cleanup, like closing files, happens.
Using Else with Try-Except
pythonCopyEdittry:
num = int(input("Enter a number: "))
result = 10 / num
except ZeroDivisionError:
print("Cannot divide by zero.")
else:
print(f"Result: {result}")
Explanation:
- The
elseblock executes only if no exception occurs in thetryblock.
3. Summary
- Built-in exceptions help identify and manage common runtime errors in Python.
- The
try-except-finallystructure ensures proper error handling. - Using
elseallows executing code only when no exception occurs.
4. Learning Outcomes
After completing this topic, learners will be able to:
- Identify and understand different built-in exceptions in Python.
- Use
try-except-finallyto handle errors effectively. - Apply best practices for structured exception handling.
5. Common Interview Questions
- What is a built-in exception in Python?
- A predefined exception that occurs during runtime due to logical or input errors.
- How can we handle built-in exceptions in Python?
- Using
try-exceptblocks to catch and manage errors.
- Using
- What is the difference between
KeyErrorandIndexError?KeyErroroccurs when accessing a non-existent dictionary key, whereasIndexErroroccurs when accessing an invalid list index.
6. Practice Exercises
- Write a Python program to handle
ZeroDivisionErrorandValueErrorin user input. - Implement a
try-except-finallyblock to handle missing files and other built-in exceptions in Python. - Create a function that raises an exception when an invalid dictionary key is accessed.
7. Additional Resources
- Python Built-in Exceptions Documentation
- Tutorials on Real Python and GeeksforGeeks about Built-in Exceptions in Python.