Java question

Hey ppl
Since I started programing in java I haven't found a good way to get around this type of problem
For example:

Code:

    public void msgPly(String msg) {
        plugin.getServer().getPlayer(maker).sendMessage(msg);
        Object[] players = scores.keySet().toArray();
        for (int x = 0; x < scores.size(); x++) {
            Player ply = plugin.getServer().getPlayer(players[x].toString());
            ply.sendMessage(msg);
        }
    }

If the player on the variable maker isn't online I'll get a "java.lang.NullPointerException"...
If I use a try/catch the method ends but,

What could I do to make java acknowledge the error but still continue to the next line of code?

 

Code:

Player player = plugin.getServer().getPlayer(maker);
if(player != null)
   player.sendMessage(msg);
//then do other stuff

 

Let me see if I get it, every time there's a change I get a null value that will gives me an error, I should declare a variable that let's me check if I returned null or not ?

 

Yes. Better to do checks to prevent errors than to try and deal with the aftermath of what happens when you get one I think.

 

Thanks Edward, the tutorials I used to learn Java always expressed the need of using try/catch, but I never liked using them on a regular basis, 'cause it's like what you said, we are just dealing with them aftermath.
Thanks again