What is the primary purpose of error handling in scripts?

The primary purpose of error handling in scripts is to manage unexpected issues gracefully without causing the script to crash. When a script encounters an error, effective error handling allows it to respond accordingly, either by logging the error, informing the user, or taking corrective action, rather than terminating abruptly. This capability is essential for maintaining the stability and reliability of applications, especially in environments where scripts perform critical tasks.

For instance, when a script attempts to access a file that doesn't exist, instead of halting execution, error handling can redirect the flow of the script to either create the file or notify the user that the file is missing. This improves user experience and can prevent data loss or other adverse effects that could stem from a crash. Consequently, implementing robust error handling increases the resilience of scripts and enhances their usability in real-world applications, where unexpected issues frequently arise.