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Java Illegalargumentexception Example: Java Explained

Table of Contents

Java Illegalargumentexception is a runtime exception thrown when a method is invoked with an illegal or inappropriate argument. It is an indication that the app-specific code should prevent this particular exception from occurring. It is a basic unchecked exception, and it should be caught and handled by the app-specific code so that its effects can be contained.

What is an IllegalArgumentException?

An IllegalArgumentException is an unchecked exception that is thrown when a method is invoked with an illegal or inappropriate argument. It is an indication that the app-specific code should prevent this particular exception from occurring. It is important to note that this exception is a sub-class of RuntimeException, which indicates that it is an unchecked exception that should be caught and handled by the app-specific code so that its effects can be contained.

When an IllegalArgumentException is thrown, it is important to identify the source of the exception and take corrective action. This could involve changing the code to ensure that the argument is valid, or it could involve changing the argument itself. In either case, it is important to ensure that the exception is handled properly so that the application can continue to run without any further issues.

Causes of an IllegalArgumentException

IllegalArgumentExceptions are typically caused when the parameters passed to a method are not valid. This can be due to an incorrect type being passed, incorrect values being passed, or a null value being passed, among other issues. IllegalArgumentExceptions can also be thrown when a method cannot execute properly due to inadequate data being passed as parameters.

In addition, IllegalArgumentExceptions can be caused by attempting to access an element of an array or collection that does not exist. For example, if an array has a length of 5, attempting to access the 6th element will result in an IllegalArgumentException. Similarly, attempting to access a key in a map that does not exist will also result in an IllegalArgumentException.

Understanding Java’s IllegalArgumentException

An IllegalArgumentException is thrown when a method is invoked with an illegal or inappropriate argument. This could either be due to an incorrect type being passed, incorrect values being passed, null values being passed, or inadequate data being passed as parameters. It is important for developers to understand how and when to avoid these exceptions in order to ensure that their applications run smoothly.

How to Avoid IllegalArgumentExceptions

There are several simple methods which developers can use in order to avoid IllegalArgumentExceptions occurring in their code. Firstly, it is important to ensure that only valid types and values are passed as arguments. Secondly, if a null value must be passed, care should be taken to ensure that it is handled appropriately. Finally, any method parameters should be carefully checked to ensure their validity before they are passed.

Additionally, developers should be aware of any potential side effects that may occur when passing arguments. For example, if a method is expecting an integer, passing a string may cause an IllegalArgumentException. Furthermore, it is important to ensure that any arguments passed are within the expected range. If an argument is outside of the expected range, an IllegalArgumentException may be thrown.

Sample Code for an IllegalArgumentException Example

The following sample code demonstrates how an IllegalArgumentException might occur in Java:

public class Test {    public static void main(String args[]) {          int num1 = 5;          int num2 = 0;            //modulo division          int res = num1 % num2;            System.out.println(res);      }  }

In this example, the modulo division method is called with a second argument of 0. As no number is divisible by 0 in mathematics, an IllegalArgumentException is thrown.

This exception is thrown when a method is called with an argument that is not valid. It is important to handle this exception in the code, as it can cause the program to crash if not handled properly.

Troubleshooting Tips for Dealing with an IllegalArgumentException

If an IllegalArgumentException occurs in your code, the first step is to check that all parameters which have been sent meet the expected types and values. Once this has been done, any variables which could have caused the exception must be carefully checked to ensure that they are of the correct type and value. Finally, consider adding extra try/catch blocks around calls which may cause the exception, such as those which require certain conditions.

Summary of Java’s IllegalArgumentExceptions

An IllegalArgumentException occurs in Java when a method is invoked with an illegal or inappropriate argument. It is important for developers to understand when and how to avoid these exceptions in order to ensure their applications are bug-free. This can be achieved by ensuring all parameters are of the correct type and value, and by being careful when using try/catch blocks around potential problem areas.

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Nisha Kumari

Nisha Kumari, a Founding Engineer at Bito, brings a comprehensive background in software engineering, specializing in Java/J2EE, PHP, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and web development. Her career highlights include significant roles at Accenture, where she led end-to-end project deliveries and application maintenance, and at PubMatic, where she honed her skills in online advertising and optimization. Nisha's expertise spans across SAP HANA development, project management, and technical specification, making her a versatile and skilled contributor to the tech industry.

Written by developers for developers

This article was handcrafted with by the Bito team.

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