Overflow Handling In C#]

[Steve]

My question is how to handle and where to handle integer overflow
exceptions.

I am developing a C# application and I am debating on whether we
should turn on the "Check for arithmetic overflow" compiler flag. My
concerns are not necessarily security rather logic bugs.

If I turn it on, is there a performance hit? Throughout the program
or only when performing the integer operations?

Do I have to try/catch all of my integer math? If no, how do I catch
them? If yes, why not just use 'check' blocks along with the
try/catch?

Should I deliver my app with the flag on?

Thanks,
Steve

 

[William Ryan eMVP]

Here's a general discussion on it
http://www.knowdotnet.com/articles/checked.html

My question is how to handle and where to handle integer overflow
exceptions.

I am developing a C# application and I am debating on whether we
should turn on the "Check for arithmetic overflow" compiler flag. My
concerns are not necessarily security rather logic bugs.

If I turn it on, is there a performance hit?

The primary thing to worry about is another programmer not knowing the
context and coding it ambiguously.

Throughout the program

or only when performing the integer operations?

As a rule, I think you ought to specify what you are doing in the code
block. As far as where to try/catch stuff, that really depends on a lot of
stuff and how you want to program to behave. Performance is but one
consideration.

Do I have to try/catch all of my integer math? If no, how do I catch
them?

It depends on how you want to deal with it.
If yes, why not just use 'check' blocks along with the

try/catch? That's what I'd do actually.

Should I deliver my app with the flag on?

Again that's a big question. I have a strong bias toward having it on and
basically against anything that may obscure a problem. Personally I'd
rather the app blow up so I can fix the problem then run on for a month with
some subtle flaw , the results of which may or may not even be fixable.

Thanks,
Steve

--
W.G. Ryan MVP Windows - Embedded

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