Exception Handling Best Practices

 

• Serialize exceptions, so that they are available across app domains.
• As far as possible, let the exception be in the same assembly that throws it.
• Use at least the 3 common constructors that Exception class provides.
• Use pre-defined exceptions if possible instead of custom exceptions.
• Return null instead of exception for common errors
• Categorize exceptions in a hierarchy based on modules.
• Include localized description string for exception.
• Provide Exception properties for programmatic access.
• Do not catch generic exceptions when specific exceptions can be caught.
• Check for ErrorCode property in COMException for HResult value.
• Make COM objects implement IErrorInfo, so that they can be access in .NET