What are the differences between throwing an exception object and returning an error code from a function call in C

Exception Throwing

In function-based programming, exceptions are objects created and thrown when an exceptional condition occurs during runtime.
Exceptions carry additional information about the error, such as error messages and stack traces, providing more context to the programmer.
They allow for more structured error handling, as they can be caught and handled by specific blocks in the program.

Error Code Returning

Error codes are numerical values returned from a function call to indicate an error condition.
They provide limited information about the error, often requiring a mapping table or documentation to decode.
Error codes handle errors uniformly and are typically used in low-level programming or system libraries.

Key Differences:

Information: Exceptions provide more detailed error information, while error codes offer limited information.
Handling: Exceptions can be handled more specifically with try-catch blocks, while error codes require manual checking and handling.
Program Flow: Throwing exceptions can disrupt the program flow, while returning error codes allows the program to continue execution.
Maintenance: Exception handling is more verbose and complex to implement, while error codes offer a simpler and compact alternative.
Programming Style: Modern programming languages favor exception throwing for its clarity and ease of debugging.

What are the advantages of using exceptions over error codes?
- Exceptions provide more information, handle errors more specifically, and fit better with modern programming styles.
When should you use error codes instead of exceptions?
- When the error information is limited, when speed is critical, or when compatibility with older systems is required.
How can you catch and handle exceptions in C?
- Use the try block to execute code and the catch block to catch and handle exceptions.
What is a stack trace?
- A stack trace is a list of function calls that led to the occurrence of an exception, providing valuable debugging information.
How do you return error codes from a function in C?
- Return a non-zero value from the function to indicate an error, such as -1 or NULL.

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What are the Differences Between Throwing an Exception Object and Returning an Error Code from a Function Call in C