What is exception handling in functional programming?

What is exception handling in functional programming?

Exception handling in functional programming refers to the techniques used to manage errors and exceptions in a functional programming context, often using constructs like 'Maybe' or 'Either' types.

How does it differ from imperative programming?

In imperative programming, exceptions are often handled using try-catch blocks, while functional programming emphasizes returning error states as values, promoting safer and more predictable code.

Can you give an example of using Maybe in Haskell?

Sure! In Haskell, you can use the 'Maybe' type to handle potential errors. For example, a function that retrieves an item from a list might return 'Just item' if found or 'Nothing' if not.

What are the benefits of using functional error handling?

Benefits include improved code readability, easier reasoning about code behavior, and reduced side effects, leading to more robust applications.