In Python exception handling, what is the purpose of finally?

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BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

In Python exception handling, the concept of finally is being examined, so we evaluate each option against the behavior of try/except/finally blocks.
Option 1: "It defines custom error messages". This is misleading because customizing error messages is typically done when raising exceptions or handling them in except blocks, not by the finally clause itself. The finally block is not used for message customization; it’s about ensuring cleanup occurs regardless of exceptions.
Option 2: "It always executes whether or not an exception occurs". This statement aligns with the core role of finally: code inside finally runs whether the try block succeeds, raises an exception, or even if an exception is rethrown or caught, guaranteeing resource release or cleanup actions.
Option 3: "It runs only when no exception occurs". This contradicts the fundamental purpose of finally. If an exception occurs, the finally block still executes after the except block (if present), so it is not limited to the non-exceptional path.
Option 4: "It stops program execution". This is incorrect because finally does not stop execution; it runs and then the program continues (or terminates if the exception is unhandled and no further handling occurs). The purpose is not to halt but to ensure cleanup.
Option 5: "It catches unhandled exceptions". This describes the role of an except block, not finally. The finally clause does not catch exceptions; it executes regardless of whether exceptions are caught or not.

IS 4485-001 Fall 2025 Final Exam Practice 2

In Python exception handling, what is the purpose of finally?

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