title: Function failed: Raise Exception, or return FALSE? What's the better approach?
body: <p>I was wondering how you guys handle functions fails. Do you raise an exception, or do you return an error message?</p>
  
  <p>e.G. I have a function that is supposed to connect to an external com-object. If the com-object has not been initiated through another program, the connection cannot be established. What would be the preferred python way of notifying the main program? Should I raise an exception with the detailed error message, or should I simple return the error message?</p>
  
  <p>Thanks!</p>