1Z0-829 Handling Exceptions Practice Question
Given the following code snippet inside a method:
try { // risky code
} catch (IOException | SQLException e) {// handle
}
What is the implicit type of the exception variable 'e' in the catch block?
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap here is that candidates mistakenly think 'e' has a union type (like TypeScript) or that the compiler uses the first listed exception type, when in fact Java infers the most specific common superclass, which is Exception for IOException and SQLException.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
It is of type Exception.
In Java, when a multi-catch clause catches multiple exception types (e.g., IOException | SQLException), the compiler infers the catch parameter's type as the closest common superclass that is not Object or Throwable. Since IOException and SQLException both extend Exception directly, the implicit type of 'e' is Exception. This allows the catch block to handle both exception types polymorphically.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
It is of type Object.
Why it's wrong here
Too general; the compiler ensures it's an Exception subtype.
- ✓
It is of type Exception.
Why this is correct
The common base of IOException and SQLException is Exception.
- ✗
It is of type Throwable.
Why it's wrong here
Too general; exceptions are Throwable, but more specific is Exception.
- ✗
It is either IOException or SQLException.
Why it's wrong here
The compiler treats it as the common superclass.
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