C# Exception Handling specific classes

Question

What is the main advantage to have specific exception classes , as we can have all exceptions in System.Exception class. Why would one use specific error handling class?

The answer really depends on your needs - sometimes you need things to be more granular. — Gratus D., Sep 25 '17 at 19:25
Possible duplicate of [When should we create our own java exception classes?](https://stackoverflow.com/questions/22698584/when-should-we-create-our-own-java-exception-classes) — Vanity Slug - codidact.com, Sep 25 '17 at 19:25
If you want to add specific structured information to your exception, a custom exception class allows you to add your own properties. It also allows consuming code to catch specifically that exception if the logic requires. — David, Sep 25 '17 at 19:28
no alex its not a duplicate questions. Just wana know the fact that what is the use of specic exception classes such as IndexOutOfRangeException and ArgumentException — farrukhmask, Sep 25 '17 at 19:29
@farrukhmask: The linked potential duplicate question primarily answers exactly that. Did you read it? — David, Sep 25 '17 at 19:30
What is the main advantage to have classes at all, as we can have all objects as System.Object class? Why would one use specific classes at all? :) — Trioj, Sep 25 '17 at 19:31

John Wu · Answer 1 · 2017-09-26T22:05:01.617

Exception handlers work on a class by class basis. If you only had one exception class, you couldn't do this:

try
{
    //Do something that might raise different types of exceptions
}
catch(ArgumentException e1)  //Catch any exception that is an ArgumentException or one its derived types
{
    //Do something to handle the invalid argument
}
catch(NetworkException e2)  //Catch any exception that is a NetworkException or one of its derived types
{
    //Do something to handle the issue with the network
}
catch(Exception e3)
{
    //Do something to log the unexpected exception
    throw;
}

Note that you should not catch the base exception unless the only thing you are doing is logging it and rethrowing.

C# Exception Handling specific classes

1 Answers1