C++ Exceptions

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~12 min lesson11 learning blocks2 code examples1 checks/interactions

Lesson outline

What Are Exceptions?

Exceptions let a program signal and handle runtime errors without cluttering normal logic with error codes. You throw an exception where a problem occurs and catch it where you can handle it; the stack unwinds in between, destroying local objects safely (RAII).

Standard Exception Types

The header defines a hierarchy rooted at std::exception. Catch by const reference to avoid slicing and to read .what().

Type	Header	Typical use
std::exception		Base of all standard exceptions
std::runtime_error		Errors detectable only at run time
std::logic_error		Programming errors (precondition violations)
std::out_of_range		e.g. vector::at() with a bad index
std::invalid_argument		A function received an invalid value

Custom Exceptions

Derive your own exception from a standard one so callers can catch it either specifically or as a std::exception.

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