Null Return vs. Exception: When Should Retrieval Methods Throw Errors?

Deciding between 'null' Returns and Exceptions for Retrieval Methods

When a retrieval method cannot produce the expected return value, it must determine whether to return 'null' or throw an exception. This decision depends on the expected outcome and application logic.

For situations where the absence of a value is considered an error or unexpected result, throwing an exception is appropriate. This exception should indicate that the problem requires attention.

Conversely, if the absence of a value is a valid and expected outcome, returning 'null' is more suitable. This allows the application logic to handle the missing value gracefully, without interrupting the program flow with an exception.

However, it is crucial to maintain consistency throughout the codebase. If one retrieval method throws an exception for missing values while another returns 'null', it can lead to confusion and unexpected behavior. Therefore, it is important to establish a consistent approach that aligns with the application's expectations and error handling strategies.

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