What are the types of exceptions in Java and how do they differ?

In Java, exceptions are divided into several types:

1. Checked exceptions

   • Inherit from the Exception class, but not from RuntimeException.
   • The compiler requires mandatory handling (try-catch) or declaration in the method signature (throws).
   • Used for errors that can be foreseen and handled, such as IOException, SQLException.

2. Unchecked exceptions

   • Inherit from RuntimeException.
   • The compiler does not require mandatory handling.
   • Usually indicate programming errors, such as NullPointerException, IllegalArgumentException.

3. Errors

   • Inherit from the Error class.
   • Represent serious problems that are usually not handled by the application, such as OutOfMemoryError, StackOverflowError.

Thus, the main difference is the need for handling and the nature of the error: checked exceptions require explicit handling, unchecked do not, and errors signal critical runtime issues.