These three concepts are essential for writing robust and maintainable Python code. Here's a breakdown of each:

Functions:

  • Reusable blocks of code that perform a specific task.
  • Defined using the def keyword followed by the function name and parentheses.
  • Can take arguments (inputs) and return values (outputs).
  • Promote code modularity and reusability.

Example:

Python
def greet(name):
  """Prints a greeting message."""
  print(f"Hello, {name}!")

greet("Alice")  # Output: Hello, Alice!

Finally:

  • A block of code that always executes, regardless of whether an exception occurs in the try block.
  • Used for essential tasks like closing files or releasing resources.
  • Ensures these tasks are completed even if an error happens.

Example:

Python
try:
  # Code that might raise an exception
  with open("data.txt", "r") as file:
    data = file.read()
except FileNotFoundError:
  print("Error: File not found")
finally:
  # Always executed, even if there's no exception
  print("File closed")

Custom Exceptions:

  • User-defined exceptions to handle specific errors in your program.
  • Inherit from the built-in Exception class.
  • Provide informative error messages and allow for specific handling.

Example:

Python
class InvalidAgeError(Exception):
  """Raised when an invalid age is provided."""
  pass

def check_age(age):
  if age < 0:
    raise InvalidAgeError("Age cannot be negative")
  # Rest of the code

try:
  check_age(-5)
except InvalidAgeError as e:
  print(f"Error: {e}")

Key Points:

  • Functions help organize code and improve readability.
  • finally ensures critical tasks are executed.
  • Custom exceptions provide better error handling and clarity.

By effectively using these concepts, you can write more robust and maintainable Python applications.