parsing question

[Faheem Khan]

Hi all,

I have a quick question about 'parse exceptions' in...

1. Integer.parseInt(...)
2. DataFormat's parse() method.

I've noticed that Integer.parseInt() throws an unchecked run-time exception (NumberFormatException which extends IllegalArgumentException) when it can't parse an integer e.g.
int a = Integer.parseInt("4a");

But on the other hand... if we have

String someStringToParse = ...;
DateFormat df = DateFormat.getDateInstance();
try{
df.parse(someStringToParse);
}catch(ParseException p){
....
}

We're forced to handle (or declare) a ParseException.

Why didn't the Java designers have Integer.ParseInt(...) throw a ParseException or make the DateFormat parse method throw a DateFormatException(doesn't exist) or atleast make the NumberFormatException a checked exception for some kind of consistency in the different parsing methods?

Thanks for your time,

Faheem

[Stephan van Hulst]

Likely because the methods were designed by different architects with different ideas.

In my opinion, the date parsing method should have thrown an unchecked exception as well.

Both classes should then provide methods that let you check whether a given string is valid for parsing. Sadly, this isn't the case.

[Javin Paul]

I agree, unchecked Exception results in more cleaner code than checked exception so in this case DateFormat.parse() should throw unchecked Exception.

[Faheem Khan]

Thanks for the replies

I guess it's something to look out for on the exam.