How are exceptions better than if-statements?

Question

If I modify the example code as:

#include <iostream>
using namespace std;

int main() {
int num1;
cout <<"\nEnter the first number:";
cin >> num1;

int num2;
cout <<"\nEnter the second number:";
cin >> num2;

cout << "\n= " << num1 << " / " << num2 << endl;
if (num2 > 0)
cout <<"\nResult:"<<num1 / num2;
else
cout << "\nResult: cannot divide by zero (0)" << endl;
}

How are exceptions better than this if statement? Aside from OS signals,
I'm not sure that trying and catching an exception is the better way to go.

Answer 1

in your case you are handling only positive values of num2.
You'llget "Result: cannot divide by zero" even if you divide by a negative number.
Of course you can get around the problem using another condition [if (num2>0 || num2<0)].
Using exception handling would simplify things in your case and specially in more complicate scenarios.

Answer 2

@Mile L. tell me where I was wrong?
I suggested you the two conditions for the if statement to avoid using exceptions.

using exceptions you would only evaluate one condition (num2 == 0).

Again it would male life easier specially in more complicate scenarios.

Answer 3

seamiki ,
Your right, and wrong at the same time. I should have checked for the error condition, and left the "else" to handle all other cases.

Similar to the example where they only throw the exception if num2 equals​ zero.

Answer 4

JPM7,
Thanks for the evidence of my suspicions. While I agree with your post, and the other references, I can also see where using try-catch blocks can be a more elegant way to control flow within the program ... albeit a violation of the intent of the construct.