What is the difference between the Exception class and the base class BaseException in Python?

In Python, the BaseException class is the base class for all built-in exceptions, including system exceptions such as SystemExit, KeyboardInterrupt, and GeneratorExit. The Exception class inherits from BaseException and serves as the base class for most user-defined and standard exceptions that are typically handled in programs.

Main difference:

• BaseException is intended for all exceptions, including system ones that are usually not caught (e.g., user-initiated program interruption).
• Exception is a subclass used for common errors that can and should be handled.

Example:

try:
    # code that might raise an exception
    pass
except Exception:
    # handle common exceptions
    pass

# But if you want to catch absolutely all exceptions, including system ones:
try:
    pass
except BaseException:
    pass

It is generally recommended to catch Exception so as not to intercept system exceptions that may signal the need to terminate the program.