Java try-finally return design question

Question

In Java, a try { ... } finally { ... } is executed somewhat unintuitively to me. As illustrated in another question, Does finally always execute in Java?, if you have a retu

Answer 1

the finally construct is a facility provided by the JLS to handle a code prone to some exception. the developer can utilise this facility to ensure a graceful recovery from an exception. to use the finally construct in the manner you've described doesn't make for a good practice. for that matter, it is never good to return anything from the finally block.
so as you asekd, the "philosophy" is to handle any abrupt completion of code. if returning a certain value as part of handling such a state is required, that should be done within the catch block.