PythonHow-ToBeginner · 3 min read

How to Use finally in Python: Syntax and Examples

In Python, the finally block is used after try and except blocks to run code that must execute no matter what, such as cleanup actions. The code inside finally always runs whether an exception occurs or not.

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Syntax

The finally block follows try and optional except blocks. It contains code that always runs after the try block finishes, whether an exception was raised or handled.

try: Code that might cause an error.
except: Code to handle errors.
finally: Code that runs no matter what.

python

try:
    # code that may raise an exception
    pass
except SomeError:
    # code to handle the exception
    pass
finally:
    # code that always runs
    pass

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Example

This example shows how finally runs even if an error happens or not. It prints messages to show the flow.

python

try:
    print("Trying to open a file...")
    file = open("nonexistent.txt", "r")
except FileNotFoundError:
    print("File not found error caught.")
finally:
    print("This runs no matter what.")

Output

Trying to open a file... File not found error caught. This runs no matter what.

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Common Pitfalls

One common mistake is to think finally only runs if there is an exception. It runs always, even if no error occurs. Another pitfall is placing return statements inside try or except blocks and expecting finally to not run; it still runs before the function returns.

python

def test_finally():
    try:
        return "From try"
    finally:
        print("Finally block runs before return")

result = test_finally()
print(result)

Output

Finally block runs before return From try

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Quick Reference

Keyword	Purpose
try	Run code that might cause an error
except	Handle specific errors
finally	Run code no matter what, for cleanup

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Key Takeaways

The finally block always runs after try and except blocks, regardless of errors.

Use finally for cleanup actions like closing files or releasing resources.

Finally runs even if there is a return statement in try or except blocks.

Don’t assume finally only runs on exceptions; it runs every time.

Place critical cleanup code inside finally to ensure it executes.