Definition

Noun: A run-time error is a type of software error or bug that occurs while a program is executing (running). It is an error in the program's logic or arithmetic that was not detectable during compilation or initial testing and only manifests itself during the program's execution under specific conditions.

Usage

This term is used in computer science and software development to describe a specific class of program failures. - It is typically contrasted with compile-time errors, which are detected before a program runs. - A run-time error often causes a program to crash, freeze, or produce incorrect results.

Examples

Advanced Usage

• "to throw a run-time error": When a program actively generates and reports a run-time error.
  • The function will throw a run-time error if the file is not found.
• "run-time error handling": The practice of writing code to gracefully manage and recover from run-time errors (often using blocks).
  • Good run-time error handling prevents the application from crashing unexpectedly.

Variants and Related Words

• Runtime (noun/adjective): Pertaining to the period during which a program is executing.
  • The runtime environment must be configured correctly.
• Exception (noun): In many programming languages, a run-time error is represented as an "exception" that can be "caught" and handled.
  • An unhandled exception is a common type of run-time error.

Synonyms

• Execution error
• Runtime exception (in languages like Java, C#)

Related Phrases

• "Bug": A general term for a flaw in a program that causes it to behave incorrectly. A run-time error is a specific type of bug.
• "Crash": A common result of a severe run-time error where the program stops functioning.
• "Debug": The process of finding and fixing errors, including run-time errors.

Noun

1. an error in logic or arithmetic that must be detected at run time