Parseexception Example in Java

Introduction

ParseException is a classic Java console program that demonstrates the concept with complete source code and sample output. Exceptions represent runtime errors; Java uses try-catch-finally to handle them safely.

This tutorial walks through the program line by line, explains how the logic works, and highlights best practices you can apply in your own code.

Syntax

try{
   // Do something
}catch(java.text.ParseException e){
   //Do something with caught exception
}

ParseException Example Program

public class ParseException {
    static void convertDateFormat(String inputDate){
        try{
            SimpleDateFormat sdf = new SimpleDateFormat("dd/MM/yyyy");
            Date date = sdf.parse(inputDate);
            SimpleDateFormat outputsdf = new SimpleDateFormat("yyyy-MM-dd");
            String outputDate = outputsdf.format(date);
            System.out.println("After changing date format to yyyy/MM/dd : "+outputDate);
        }catch(java.text.ParseException e){
            System.out.println("Some error occurred while converting date formats. Exception is : "+e.toString());
        }
    }
    
    public static void main(String[] args) {
        Scanner scanner = new Scanner(System.in);
        System.out.println("Enter date in dd/MM/yyyy format: ");
        String inputDate = scanner.nextLine();
        convertDateFormat(inputDate);
    }
}

Sample Output

Enter date in dd/MM/yyyy format: 
12/07/2017
After changing date format to yyyy/MM/dd : 2017-07-12

When to use

Use this parseexception example when learning or revising core Java syntax.

How it works

1. Execution begins in the main method — the JVM calls this method when you run the class.

2. SimpleDateFormat sdf = new SimpleDateFormat("dd/MM/yyyy"); updates a variable used in the calculation or output.

3. Date date = sdf.parse(inputDate); updates a variable used in the calculation or output.

4. SimpleDateFormat outputsdf = new SimpleDateFormat("yyyy-MM-dd"); updates a variable used in the calculation or output.

5. String outputDate = outputsdf.format(date); updates a variable used in the calculation or output.

6. A println / print call writes text to the console — part of the sample output below.

7. A println / print call writes text to the console — part of the sample output below.

8. A Scanner reads typed input from the keyboard (System.in).

Best Practices

• Use meaningful variable and class names that describe their purpose.
• Compile and run the program locally — modify values to see how output changes.
• Read compiler errors carefully; they usually point to the exact line to fix.

Common Mistakes

• Copying code without understanding each line — practice by changing one statement at a time.
• Mismatching the public class name and the .java filename.
• Forgetting semicolons at the end of statements.