Unhandled: meaning, definitions and examples
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unhandled
[ ʌnˈhændld ]
computer programming
The term 'unhandled' refers to exceptions or errors in a software program that have not been caught or addressed by the code. When an unhandled exception occurs, it can lead to program crashes or unexpected behavior, as the program does not have a defined way to manage the error.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The application crashed due to an unhandled exception.
- Make sure to handle all exceptions to avoid unhandled errors.
- An unhandled case in the code caused the system to halt.
- The unhandled error message displayed on the screen was confusing.
Etymology
The word 'unhandled' is derived from the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' and the word 'handled,' which is the past participle of 'handle.' The term 'handle' originates from the Old English word 'handle,' meaning 'to manage or control.' In the context of computer programming, 'unhandled' began to gain traction in the late 20th century as software development became more complex and robust error management was needed. With the rise of programming languages and environments, unhandled exceptions became a critical concern for developers, emphasizing the importance of proper error handling in code. The evolution of the term reflects the growing complexity of software and the necessity for better programming practices.