What are the differences between exceptions and error codes?

What are the differences between exceptions and error codes?

Exceptions are events that disrupt the normal flow of a program, while error codes are specific values returned to indicate an error.

Can you give me an example of each?

Sure! An exception might be a 'FileNotFoundException' when trying to access a file that doesn't exist. An error code could be a return value of -1 indicating a failure in a function.

Which one is better to use in programming?

It depends on the context. Exceptions are often preferred for handling unexpected issues, while error codes can be simpler for predictable errors.

Are there any performance implications of using exceptions?

Yes, throwing and catching exceptions can be more resource-intensive than checking error codes, so it's important to use them judiciously.