Coding by exception - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Coding by exception is an accidental complexity in a software system in which the program handles specific errors that arise with unique exceptions. When an issue arises in a software system, an error is raised tracing the issue back to where it was caught and then where that problem came from, if applicable. Exceptions can be used to handle the error while the program is running and avoid crashing the system. Exceptions should be generalized and cover numerous errors that arise. in Software Engineeringwith anti-patternexceptiongeneralizedhandlesprogramraised