Error Handling: Writing code that deals with expected problems gracefully — showing a useful message, retrying or logging the issue — instead of crashing.
Example
If the payment service is down, your code shows "Please try again later" and logs the error instead of showing a blank page.
Why Error Handling matters for IT interns
Reviewers check error handling. It is often the difference between code that works and code that is ready for real users.
Where you will hear it
You will hear this term in development teams, in code reviews and technical discussions, and in technical interviews. If someone uses it and you are not sure what they mean in your project, it is completely fine to ask; every team uses terms a little differently.
Related terms
- Debugging: Finding out why code isn’t working and fixing it — by reading errors, adding logs, using breakpoints and…
- Deployment: Moving a new version of software onto the servers or environment where it runs, so people can use it.
- Development Environment: The setup where developers build and try out code — usually their own machine plus shared development servers.
- Exception: An error that happens while a program runs and interrupts its normal flow, such as reading a missing file or…
- Framework: A ready-made structure for building applications that decides how your code is organised and provides common…
- Frontend: The part of an application users see and interact with — screens, buttons and forms — usually built with…
Previous term: Epic | Next term: Escalation
Related guides
- Which Technology Should I Learn for an IT Internship?
- Frontend vs Backend for an Internship
- Technical Interview Questions for Freshers
Frequently asked questions
What is Error Handling?
Writing code that deals with expected problems gracefully — showing a useful message, retrying or logging the issue — instead of crashing.
What is an example of Error Handling?
If the payment service is down, your code shows "Please try again later" and logs the error instead of showing a blank page.
Why does Error Handling matter for IT interns?
Reviewers check error handling. It is often the difference between code that works and code that is ready for real users.
Explore more internship terms
The IT Internship Glossary explains 199 terms you will hear before and during your internship, with simple definitions and real examples.
Browse all 199 terms
About the author
Dhaivat has 16+ years of experience in the IT industry, working on AI and cloud technologies, project delivery, and engineering leadership. He has interviewed and mentored many interns, wrote The Lost Intern, and runs the non-commercial Career Impact Initiative, mentoring students for free.