Null Reference Exception

 What is a Null Reference Exception:

A Null Reference Exception (often called a NullPointerException in some languages like Java) is a common runtime error in programming that occurs when your code tries to use an object reference that has not been initialized (i.e., it points to null or None).

What is a "null reference"?

A null reference means a variable exists but does not point to any object in memory. It’s like having a remote control (the reference) that isn’t paired to any TV (the object). Trying to use it does nothing—or worse, causes an error.

What causes a Null Reference Exception?

A Null Reference Exception happens when you try to:

  • Access a method or property on a null object.
  • Index into a null array or list.
  • Pass a null object to a method expecting a valid one.
  • Dereference a null pointer.

Example in C#:

string name = null;

int length = name.Length; // NullReferenceException here

You're trying to access. Length on name, which is null, so the runtime throws an exception.

Example in Java:

java

 

String name = null;

int length = name.length() ;// NullPointerException here

How to prevent Null Reference Exceptions:

  1. Check for null before using a variable:

if (name! = null)

    Console.WriteLine(name.Length);

  1. Use default values or optional types:

string name = input?? "default";

  1. Use null-safe operators (if supported):
    • C#: name? Length
    • Kotlin: name? Length
    • JavaScript/TypeScript: name? Length



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