In Java, what is the difference between catch a generic exception and a specific exception (eg. IOException?)

Question

Currently I\'m catching only generic exceptions, but i want change this to catch the specific exceptions, but what is the advantage of this?

Answer 1

If you plan on multiple people using your application, having specific exceptions will let you know exactly where your program failed when under the control of someone else. but aside from that, if the program is only for yourself, you can just run it through a debugger, although being in the habit of making very descriptive and unambiguous error handling is a great on to have, if you ever do plan on taking your programming to the masses :)