Is it valid to have finally block without try and catch?

Question

I am trying to use the finally block without using the try/catch blocks but getting the error in Eclipse.

Can I use the finally block without using the try/catch blocks?

Answer 1

finally should have atleast a try block, catch is optional. The point of finally blocks is to make sure stuff gets cleaned up whether an exception is thrown or not. As per the JLS

A finally clause ensures that the finally block is executed after the try block and any catch block that might be executed, no matter how control leaves the try block or catch block.

Hence a finally should always be preceded by a try block.

Answer 2

You must have a try block with a finally block. The try block defines which lines of code will be followed by the finally code. If an exception is thrown prior to the try block, the finally code will not execute.

Adding catch blocks is optional:

try {    // something  } finally {   // guaranteed to run if execution enters the try block }