Please note, this is a STATIC archive of website www.w3schools.com from 05 May 2020, cach3.com does not collect or store any user information, there is no "phishing" involved.
THE WORLD'S LARGEST WEB DEVELOPER SITE

Java throw Keyword

❮ Java Keywords


Example

Throw an exception if age is below 18 (print "Access denied"). If age is 18 or older, print "Access granted":

public class MyClass {
  static void checkAge(int age) {
    if (age < 18) {
      throw new ArithmeticException("Access denied - You must be at least 18 years old.");
    }
    else {
      System.out.println("Access granted - You are old enough!");
    }
  }

  public static void main(String[] args) {
    checkAge(15); // Set age to 15 (which is below 18...)
  }
}

Run example »


Definition and Usage

The throw keyword is used to create a custom error.

The throw statement is used together with an exception type. There are many exception types available in Java: ArithmeticException, ClassNotFoundException, ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException, SecurityException, etc.

The exception type is often used together with a custom method, like in the example above.

Differences between throw and throws:

throw throws
Used to throw an exception for a method Used to indicate what exception type may be thrown by a method
Cannot throw multiple exceptions Can declare multiple exceptions
Syntax:
  • throw is followed by an object (new type)
  • used inside the method
Syntax:
  • throws is followed by a class
  • and used with the method signature

Related Pages

Read more about exceptions in our Java Try..Catch Tutorial.


❮ Java Keywords