What is a finally block? When and how is it used? Give an example.

• The finally block is a block of code that always executes, whether or not an exception occurs.

• It is mainly used to release resources such as files, database connections, or network sockets.

Syntax:

try {
    // Code that may throw exception
}
catch (Exception e) {
    // Handle exception
}
finally {
    // Code that always executes
}

Example:

import java.io.*;

public class FinallyExample {
    public static void main(String args[]) {
        BufferedReader reader = null;
        try {
            reader = new BufferedReader(new FileReader("MyFile.java"));
            System.out.println("Reading file...");
        } 
        catch (IOException e) {
            System.out.println("Error: " + e.getMessage());
        } 
        finally {
            System.out.println("Finally block executed. Closing reader.");
            try {
                if(reader != null) reader.close();
            } catch (IOException e) {
                System.out.println("Error closing reader");
            }
        }
    }
}

Output:

Error: MyFile.java (No such file or directory)
Finally block executed. Closing reader.