What is the purpose of finally if it always executes in java?

Question

Consider the following Java snippets:

try{
   //Some code to tryout
}
catch(Exception e){
   //Catch if there is an exception
}
finally{
   //SNIPPET1 that is always executed
}

The above snippet is essentially equal to

try{
   //Some code to tryout
}
catch(Exception e){
   //Catch if there is an exception
}
//SNIPPET1 that is always executed

I know that finally block is usually used to close network connections, file streams etc. I do not see a strong motivation in introducing this keyword into the language because one can happily program without using it as well.

Can you please explain the rationale behind introducing this keyword?

Think about this: What happens if an exception is thrown in the `catch` block? (In that case there's a difference in behaviour between the two snippets you posted). — Jesper, Jun 16 '17 at 11:01
This block allows the programmer to avoid having cleanup code accidentally bypassed by a return, continue, or break. Putting cleanup code in a finally block is always a good practice, even when no exceptions are anticipated.It is also a key tool for preventing resource leaks — Akshay, Jun 16 '17 at 11:02
You can also refer java docs https://docs.oracle.com/javase/tutorial/essential/exceptions/finally.html — Akshay, Jun 16 '17 at 11:04
Sorry for the duplication. Closing the question... Edit: Apparently I couldn't :P — router, Jun 16 '17 at 11:21

score 4 · Accepted Answer · answered Jun 16 '17 at 11:03

4

try {
    // statement 1
} catch (Exception e) {
    // statement 2
}
// statement 3

statement 3 won't be executed if statement 2 throws an exception

answered Jun 16 '17 at 11:03

Mykola Yashchenko

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What is the purpose of finally if it always executes in java?

1 Answers1