Finally keyword in Python
Last Updated : 26 Feb, 2025
In Python, the finally keyword is used in a try-except-finally block to define a section of code that will always execute, regardless of whether an exception occurs or not. It guarantees predictable code behavior, maintaining program stability even when errors arise. By using finally, developers ensure that cleanup operations and essential tasks are consistently performed, promoting code reliability and readability.
Example:
Python try: result = 10 / 0 except ZeroDivisionError: print("Caught division by zero error.") finally: print("This block always executes.") OutputCaught division by zero error. This block always executes.
Important Points -
- finally block is always executed after leaving the try statement. In case if some exception was not handled by except block, it is re-raised after execution of finally block.
- finally block is used to deallocate the system resources.
- One can use finally just after try without using except block, but no exception is handled in that case.
Syntax
try:
# Code that may raise an exception
except ExceptionType:
# Code that handles the exception
finally:
# Code that always executes
- Parameters: finally block does not accept any parameters.
- Return type: finally block does not return any value; it is used solely for executing cleanup code.
Examples
This example demonstrates the finally block executing after an exception is raised and handled.
Python try: k = 5 // 0 except ZeroDivisionError: print("Can't divide by zero") finally: print('This is always executed') OutputCan't divide by zero This is always executed
Explanation: The ZeroDivisionError is caught in the except block, printing a message. Regardless of the exception, the finally block executes, ensuring that the cleanup or final statement runs.
Example 2: No Exception Occurs
This example shows that the finally block executes even when no exception occurs.
Python try: k = 5 // 1 print(k) finally: print('This is always executed') Output5 This is always executed
Explanation: The try block executes without any errors, so the except block is skipped. However, the finally block still runs, demonstrating its unconditional execution.
Example 3: Unhandled Exception
In this example, the exception is not caught, but the finally block still executes.
Python try: k = 5 // 0 finally: print('This is always executed') 
Unhandled ExceptionExplanation: The division by zero causes a ZeroDivisionError, which is not handled. Despite this, the finally block executes before the program terminates with an error.
This example shows that the finally block executes before the return statement.
Python def learnfinally(): try: print("Inside try Block") return 1 finally: print("Inside Finally") print(learnfinally()) OutputInside try Block Inside Finally 1
Explanation: Although the try block has a return statement, the finally block executes before the function returns the value. This demonstrates that finally has priority over control flow statements like return.
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