Can I Determine if an Exception Occurred in a Finally Block?

Is there a way to determine if an exception occurred before entering a finally block in Java?

@Override
public void workflowExecutor() throws Exception {
  try {
      reportStartWorkflow();
      doThis();
      doThat();
      workHarder();
  } finally {
      reportEndWorkflow(); 
  }
}

In Java, the `finally` block is designed to execute after the `try` block, regardless of whether an exception was thrown. However, while in the `finally` block, there's no direct way to determine if an exception occurred unless you manage this state explicitly within the `try` block. Using flags or handling exceptions in catch blocks can facilitate a clean and effective solution for workflow reporting.

boolean successfulExecution = true;

try {
    reportStartWorkflow();
    doThis();
    doThat();
    workHarder();
} catch (Exception e) {
    successfulExecution = false;
    // handle exception, possibly rethrow 
} finally {
    if (successfulExecution) {
        reportEndWorkflow(); // Normal completion
    } else {
        reportEndWorkflow(); // Exception occurred
    }
}

Causes

• An exception is thrown in the try block
• Workflow needs reporting metrics
• Reusing patterns across projects

Solutions

• Utilize a boolean flag set in the try block to indicate success or failure.
• Catch exceptions and then perform necessary reporting in the catch block.
• Implement a base class or utility method to handle common reporting.

Mistake: Failing to manage the execution state before entering the finally block.

Solution: Use a boolean flag to track whether the execution was successful.

Mistake: Overcomplicating exception handling without clear separation of concerns.

Solution: Create modular methods for error handling and reporting.