Using the Throw Keyword in Function Signatures: Reconsidering a Perceived Norm

The use of the throw keyword in C function signatures was once considered a means of indicating potential exception throws. However, this practice has been widely discredited, and it is generally considered a bad idea.

Delving into the Reasons

The inherent issue with using throw in function signatures lies in the inability of the compiler to enforce these specifications. Instead, these specifications are subjected to runtime checks, which are generally less efficient and less reliable than their compile-time counterparts. Furthermore, the support for exception specifications is inconsistent across different compilers, with some ignoring them entirely and others applying them differently. This inconsistency can lead to unpredictable behavior and can make it difficult to maintain consistent code across different platforms.

Alternative Approaches

Instead of relying on throw keywords in function signatures, a more standardized and efficient approach is to handle exceptions through separate mechanisms such as try/catch blocks. These blocks allow for more explicit handling of exceptions, enabling developers to customize their exception handling logic and provide more detailed error messages.