What does runtime error mean?

An error that happens while the program is running, such as dividing by zero or using a name that has no value yet. The program starts, then stops with a message.

Also written as: runtime errors, run-time error

In a lesson

A runtime error happens when a line that follows the rules cannot be carried out. The program starts, runs up to that line, then crashes:

Learn it

• Taught in F1.4 Errors: syntax, runtime and logic Programming basics, GCSE

Used in

• F1.8 Data types and casting
• F6.4 Debugging logic errors
• F6.6 The IDE
• F7.1 Reading and writing files
• A1.3 Exception handling
• A1.5 Scope, lifetime and debugging in an IDE

All glossary terms