### Choose Signal or Exception Handlers

You can use signal handlers and operating system exception handlers alone and in combination. Both signal and exception handling are implemented in C++ as they are in C. While exception handling offers additional functionality, signal handling is generally simpler. Exception handlers can be complex to write and difficult to debug, but creating your own has these advantages:

- You receive additional information about the error condition.
- You can intercept any operating system exception, including those the IBM C and C++ Compilers library passes back to the operating system because there is no C signal for handling them.

Exception Handlers and C++ Exceptions
You can combine C++ exception handling and operating system exception handling in the same program, provided the program does not have an operating system exception handler that overrides the default behavior for an unidentified exception. You should always avoid using such an exception handler in programs that use C++ exception handling, because the results can be unpredictable.

When Special Handling is Required
Floating point exceptions and two classes of library functions, math functions and critical functions require special exception handling. Operating system exceptions that occur in all other library functions are treated as though they occurred in regular user code.

If your program links with DLLs that link to more than one library environment, you must take steps to ensure that the right handler is called.

Exception handling has particular benefits in multithreaded programs and programs that use system DLLs.

Signals and Exceptions
Signal and Exception Handlers in Multithread Programs
Signal and Exception Handlers in DLLs

Write or Register a Signal Handler
Write or Register an Exception Handler

Exception Handling for Floating-Point Exceptions