What is the difference between assert and exception handling in programming?

What is the difference between assert and exception handling in programming?

Assertions are used to check for conditions that should never happen in your code, while exception handling is for managing errors.

Can you give me an example of when to use an assert?

Sure! You might use an assert to check that a variable is not null before proceeding with a calculation.

And when should I use exception handling instead?

Use exception handling when you expect that an error might occur, like trying to open a file that may not exist.

Are there performance implications for using asserts?

Yes, asserts can be disabled in production, which can improve performance, but they should not replace proper error handling.