You're right, in fact I'd argue that checked exceptions are a very good idea. A checked exception is java's way to say: Here is a side effect, take care of it.

You're right, in fact I'd argue that checked exceptions are a very good idea. A checked exception is java's way to say: Here is a side effect, take care of it. The problem is that it can't be enforced consequently, partially because Java allows objects to be null. Otherwise checked exceptions would be akin to monads.