c# - Framework code: Fail silently or throw exceptions -

say have method exists in library/framework, want know if methods should throw exceptions or fail silently; example:

void performaction(item item) {     // throws nullreferenceexception if item null     item.dothis(); }  void performaction(item item) {     //fails silently     if(item != null)     {         item.dothis();     } } 

which solution better - or bit of subjective question?

as stated others, may subjective, , may dependent on context , situation. general rule though, think throwing far preferable option.

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i simple analogy; naïve may be, makes clear , valid point:

boss: hey joe, me favor , run down accounting , deliver these important documents there me?
joe: sure, no problem.

joe goes down accounting, finds door locked, , out lunch

possible follow-up #1:

joe returns boss: sorry, office closed. can try again later if want me to, or perhaps have other option getting documents delivered?

possible follow-up #2:

joe realises can't complete task, drops documents in garbage collect.. um.. trash container, , calls day.

which option prefer if boss?