Define the term "error handling" in programming.

Error handling in programming refers to the process of responding to and managing errors that occur during program execution.

In more detail, error handling is a crucial aspect of programming that ensures the smooth running of a program. When a program is executed, it may encounter errors or exceptions at runtime. These could be due to various reasons such as invalid user input, system resource issues, network connectivity problems, or bugs in the code. If these errors are not handled properly, they can cause the program to crash or behave unpredictably.

Error handling involves detecting, managing, and resolving these errors. This is typically done using specific constructs provided by the programming language, such as 'try', 'catch', 'finally' blocks in Java, or 'begin', 'rescue', 'ensure' blocks in Ruby. These constructs allow the programmer to 'catch' the error when it occurs and decide how the program should respond. This could involve displaying an error message to the user, logging the error for debugging purposes, or even attempting to correct the error and continue execution.

In addition to handling runtime errors, good error handling practices also involve anticipating potential errors and preventing them. This could involve validating user input, checking for the availability of system resources, or implementing error prevention measures in the code.

Error handling is an essential part of writing robust, reliable software. It helps to ensure that the program can handle unexpected situations gracefully, without crashing or losing data. It also improves the user experience, as it allows the program to provide helpful error messages and guidance to the user, rather than simply crashing or behaving unpredictably.