except tuple

Learn tuple exceptions with except (A, B).

Multiple types with except tuple

You can list several error types in a single except block as a parenthesized tuple: except (ValueError, TypeError):. This block catches both types; it's a shortcut when you want to do the same thing.

Using a tuple reduces code repetition. It works for three or more types too: except (ValueError, TypeError, KeyError):. To access the error object you add as e; that's the next lesson.

Why are parens required?

The form except ValueError, TypeError: was valid in Python 2 but is a syntax error in Python 3. Parens are required: except (ValueError, TypeError):. This change is for readability and consistency.

Without parens Python treats the part after the comma as another syntax. So in Python 3 code you always use a parenthesized tuple. Old Python 2 code may show the paren-free form; modern Python won't run it.

Exercise Catch two types with a tuple except

In a try block call value = int("abc"). Below it add except (ValueError, TypeError): and inside it write print("Caught"). ValueError matches so this block runs.

Show example solution

# Call int("abc") in a try block
try:
    value = int("abc")
# Catch with except (ValueError, TypeError):
except (ValueError, TypeError):
    print("Caught")

Test yourself

Complete the tuple except

try:
    value = int("x")
except ____:
    print("Error")

Show answer

try:
    value = int("x")
except (ValueError, TypeError):
    print("Error")

What does except (A, B, C): do?
- Catches any of A, B or C
- Catches only type A
- Raises three errors in order
- Catches only the last type
Show answer

Catches any of A, B or C — If any type in the tuple matches, the block runs.
Match the except tuple concepts

(A, B)

Multi-type tuple
parens

Required in Python 3
ValueError

Invalid value
TypeError

Wrong type

Next lesson: Exception chaining

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