Salesforce Platform Developer Practice Exam

Which of the following is NOT a valid way to handle errors in an Apex class?

1. A custom exception

2. A try/catch construct

3. Using .addError()

4. Logging errors in a separate table

The correct answer is: Logging errors in a separate table

The correct answer highlights that logging errors in a separate table is not a standard method for handling errors in an Apex class. While developers can certainly implement logging mechanisms in their applications, this approach is typically not categorized as an error handling mechanism. Instead, logging is an auxiliary process that can track errors after they occur, but doesn't directly address the flow or management of errors during code execution. Apex provides several established methods for error handling. Using a custom exception allows developers to create specific error types related to their application logic, enabling more precise error reporting. The try/catch construct is a core feature in Apex for intercepting exceptions, allowing developers to execute specific code in the event of an error. The .addError() method is used for adding an error message to a field in a record, effectively preventing a transaction from proceeding when validation fails. In summary, while logging errors might be beneficial for tracking issues within a system, it doesn't offer a way to handle and manage exceptions during execution, distinguishing it from the other valid methods described.