What are errors and types of errors in Python?

In Python, errors are issues or problems that arise when we run the code. Error be a mistake of any other issue within our code.

Python provides built-in mechanisms to help identify and handle these errors.

Types of erros in Python:

  1. Compile-Time Error
  2. Logical Error
  3. Runtime Error

1) Compile-Time Errors: 

Compile time errors are also called syntax errors. These errors generate when we make mistake while code written.

Usually include syntax errors, such as missing colons, mismatched parentheses, or incorrect indentation in Python.

For Example:

print("the eagle eye )

Output:

    print("the eagle eye )
          ^
SyntaxError: unterminated string literal (detected at line 1)

 

2) Logical Errors:

Logical errors occur when the code runs without any syntax or runtime errors but produces incorrect results due to faults in the program’s logic.

 For Example:

num1 = 10
num2 = 20
average = num1 + num2 / 2  # Missing parentheses around (num1 + num2) / 2
print("Average:", average)

Output:

Average: 20.0

In this example, our syntax is correct, but we get a logical error because it is not possible to divide any digit by zero.

 

3) Runtime Error:

Runtime errors happen while the program is running. These errors arise due to unexpected operations or conditions that prevent the code from completing.

Dividing by zero, accessing elements outside list bounds, calling functions incorrectly.

  For Example:

x = 10
y = 0
z = x / y 

Output:

ZeroDivisionError: division by zero

 


Basic questions and answers about errors in Python

Question 1. What are errors in Python?

Answer: Errors in Python are issues in the code that prevent it from running or producing the expected result. When an error occurs, Python will halt the program and display an error message.

 

 Question 2. What are the main types of errors in Python?

Answer: The main types of errors in Python are:

  • Syntax Errors: Mistakes in the code’s structure.
  • Logical Errors: The code runs but produces incorrect results due to flawed logic.
  • Runtime Errors: Errors that occur while the code is running.

 

 Question 3. What is a Syntax Error in Python?

Answer: A syntax error occurs when the Python interpreter cannot understand the code because of incorrect syntax. This prevents the code from running at all.

  For Example:

print("Hello World"

Output:

    print("Hello World"
         ^
SyntaxError: '(' was never closed

Explanation: The missing closing parenthesis ) will cause a syntax error.

 

 Question 4. What is a Logical Error in Python?

Answer: A logical error is when the code runs without crashing, but the output is not as expected due to a flaw in the code's logic. The interpreter won’t show an error message, but the results will be incorrect.

  For Example:

def add_numbers(a, b):
    return a - b  # Logical error: should be a + b

print(add_numbers(3, 5))

Output:

-2

Explanation: This code contains a logical error, as the subtraction operator - is used instead of addition +. The result will be -2 instead of 8.

 

 Question 5. What is a Runtime Error in Python?

Answer: A runtime error occurs while the code is running. It may occur due to unexpected conditions, like dividing by zero or accessing an undefined variable.

  For Example:

x = 10 / 0

Output:

ZeroDivisionError: division by zero

Explanation: This code will throw a runtime error (specifically a ZeroDivisionError) because dividing by zero is not allowed.

 

 Question 6. What does Python do when it encounters a Syntax Error?

Answer: When Python encounters a syntax error, it stops executing the code and displays an error message indicating where the error occurred and what caused it.

  For Example:

for i in range(5)
    print(i)

Output:

  File "<main.py>", line 1
    for i in range(5)
                     ^
SyntaxError: expected ':'

Explanation: Missing a colon (:) at the end of the for loop statement will cause a syntax error.

 

 Question 7. What causes a Logical Error in Python?

Answer: Logical errors are caused by mistakes in the program’s logic. These errors are difficult to detect because the code runs without an error message but does not produce the correct output.

  For Example:

def is_even(number):
    return number % 2 == 1  # Logical error

print(is_even(4)) 

Output:

False

Explanation: Here, the logic checks for odd numbers instead of even, resulting in incorrect output.

 

 Question 8. Can a Syntax Error appear anywhere in the code?

Answer: Yes, syntax errors can appear anywhere in the code. They occur whenever there is a typo or formatting mistake, such as missing punctuation, incorrect indentation, or misspelled keywords.

  For Example:

if x == 10
    print("x is 10")

Output:

    if x == 10
              ^
SyntaxError: expected ':'

Explanation: Missing a colon (:) after the if statement will result in a syntax error.

 

 Question 9. What happens if you try to use an undefined variable?

Answer: If you try to use a variable that has not been defined, Python will throw a runtime error called NameError.

  For Example:

print(y)

Output:

NameError: name 'y' is not defined

Explanation: Since y has not been defined anywhere in the code, this will cause a NameError.

 

 Question 10. What is the difference between Syntax Errors, Logical Errors, and Runtime Errors?

Answer:

  • Syntax Errors: Caused by code that does not follow Python's syntax rules. Detected by the interpreter before the code runs.
  • Logical Errors: Occur when the code runs but produces incorrect results. Caused by a mistake in the code’s logic.
  • Runtime Errors: Occur during code execution, often due to unforeseen conditions (e.g., dividing by zero).

 

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