When an exception is thrown, Java checks the catch blocks in the order they appear and runs the first one whose type matches the exception or one of its supertypes. Only one catch block runs per exception. Because a supertype catch matches all its subtypes, the order in which you write catch blocks matters to the compiler.
Free account
Keep reading for free
Create a free StudyToCert account to read the rest of this lesson: 6 more sections, 4 key terms, a real-world example, an exam tip and self-check questions. Every lesson, lab and practice test is free with an account.