Description: The ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException is a type of error in Java that is thrown when an attempt is made to access an element of an array using an index that is outside the valid bounds of that array. In Java, arrays are data structures that store multiple elements of the same type, and each element is accessed via an index that starts at 0. Therefore, if an array has a length of n, valid indices range from 0 to n-1. When an attempt is made to access an index less than 0 or greater than or equal to n, this exception is thrown. This exception is part of the Java exception hierarchy and inherits from the RuntimeException class, meaning it is an unchecked exception. This implies that the compiler does not force programmers to handle it, although it is good practice to do so to avoid runtime errors. Proper management of this exception is crucial for ensuring the stability and robustness of programming applications, as it can lead to unexpected failures if not handled correctly. In summary, the ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException is an indicator that an attempt has been made to access an array incorrectly, which can lead to undesirable behaviors in software.
Examples: An example of this exception can be seen in the following code: int[] numbers = new int[5]; System.out.println(numbers[5]); In this case, the ‘numbers’ array has a length of 5, so valid indices are 0 to 4. Attempting to access index 5 will throw an ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException. Another example would be: String[] names = new String[3]; System.out.println(names[-1]); Here, the attempt to access a negative index will also trigger the same exception.
