[Feature Request] Improve Kernel error handling

[zikangh]

Feature request

Which Delta project/connector is this regarding?

• Spark
• Standalone
• Flink
• Kernel
• Other (fill in here)

Overview

Improve Kernel exception handling by (1) making VersionNotFoundException an unchecked exception and (2) introducing specific exception types for unsupported table features instead of requiring message string parsing.

Motivation

References: PR #5356 review comments from @huan233usc

Further details

Problem 1: VersionNotFoundException extends Exception (checked), forcing unnecessary try-catch blocks. DSv1's version extends AnalysisException (unchecked), allowing errors to naturally propagate.

Problem 2: Kernel throws generic KernelException for unsupported features, requiring fragile message parsing in SparkMicroBatchStream.java

Willingness to contribute

The Delta Lake Community encourages new feature contributions. Would you or another member of your organization be willing to contribute an implementation of this feature?

• Yes. I can contribute this feature independently.
• Yes. I would be willing to contribute this feature with guidance from the Delta Lake community.
• No. I cannot contribute this feature at this time.