23
votes
3answers
1k views

Python Forgiveness vs. Permission and Duck Typing

In Python, I often hear that it is better to "beg forgiveness" (exception catching) instead of "ask permission" (type/condition checking). In regards to enforcing duck typing in Python, is this try: ...
25
votes
7answers
9k views

Why use try … finally without a catch clause?

The classical way to program is with try / catch but when is it appropriate to use try without catch? In Python the following appears legal and can make sense: try: #do work finally: #do ...