Issue
I am using java language,I have a method that is supposed to return an object if it is found.
If it is not found, should I:
- return null
- throw an exception
- other
Which is the best practise or idiom?
Solution
If you are always expecting to find a value then throw the exception if it is missing. The exception would mean that there was a problem.
If the value can be missing or present and both are valid for the application logic then return a null.
More important: What do you do other places in the code? Consistency is important.
Answered By - Ken
Answer Checked By - Senaida (JavaFixing Volunteer)
