What is the main purpose of exception handling in programming?

The main purpose of exception handling in programming is to manage errors gracefully while preventing crashes. Exception handling provides a structured way to respond to unexpected conditions that arise during the execution of a program. By employing mechanisms like try-catch blocks, a programmer can intercept errors as they occur, allowing the program to either recover from the error or provide meaningful feedback to users, rather than simply terminating unexpectedly.

This capability is essential for creating robust applications that can maintain a level of functionality despite encountering issues. It enhances the overall user experience by allowing the application to handle errors without crashing, which could lead to data loss or a frustrating experience for users. Exception handling ultimately plays a vital role in making applications more fault-tolerant and reliable.