☕ Java Multiple Catch Blocks

? Quick Overview

In Java, multiple catch blocks allow you to handle different types of exceptions separately within a single try block. This improves error handling clarity and prevents application crashes.

? Key Concepts

Multiple exceptions can occur in one try block
Each exception can be handled with its own catch
More specific exceptions must come before generic ones
Improves readability and debugging

? Syntax / Theory

Java allows more than one catch block after a single try. The JVM matches the thrown exception with the first compatible catch block.

? View Code Example

// Syntax of multiple catch blocks in Java
try {
    // code that may throw exceptions
} catch (ExceptionType1 e) {
    // handle exception type 1
} catch (ExceptionType2 e) {
    // handle exception type 2
}

? Code Example

? View Code Example

// Demonstrating multiple catch blocks
public class MultipleCatchDemo {
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        try {
            int[] numbers = {10, 20, 30};
            System.out.println(numbers[5]);
            int result = 10 / 0;
        } catch (ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException e) {
            System.out.println("Array index error occurred");
        } catch (ArithmeticException e) {
            System.out.println("Arithmetic error occurred");
        }
    }
}

? Live Output / Explanation

Output

Array index error occurred

The program throws an ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException first, so the corresponding catch block executes. Remaining code is skipped.

? Interactive Simulation

The array is {10, 20, 30} (Valid indexes: 0, 1, 2).
Change values to see which block catches the error!

Array Index

Divisor

try {
int n = numbers[index];
int r = n / divisor;
}

catch (ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException) {
print("Index Error!");
}

catch (ArithmeticException) {
print("Can't divide by zero!");
}

// Success (No Exception)
Code execution continues...

✅ Tips & Best Practices

Always catch specific exceptions before general ones
Avoid using only Exception as a catch-all
Keep catch blocks short and meaningful
Use multiple catch to improve debugging

? Try It Yourself

Add a NullPointerException catch block
Reorder catch blocks and observe compiler errors
Replace multiple catch with multi-catch syntax