In Python, what does it mean to "catch" an exception?

Catching an exception in Python refers to the process of handling errors that occur during the execution of a program. This is primarily accomplished through the use of try-except blocks. When code that may potentially raise an exception is wrapped in a try block, the program will attempt to execute it. If an exception is raised, control is transferred to the except block, where the error can be handled gracefully. This allows the program to continue running or to take corrective actions, instead of crashing unexpectedly. This mechanism is vital for building robust and user-friendly applications since it ensures that errors are managed appropriately rather than causing abrupt termination of the program.