Which is better, [Table Exists Check + Select] or [Select + Error Handling]?

There exists several tables in an SQLite database. It is possible for data to be requested (from client) from a table which does not exist. If the table does exist, then desired data from table is sent as an array of rows, and if table does not exist, an empty array is to be returned.

There are 2 ways (i can think of):

• Table Exists Check + Select
• Select + Error Handling

Which way would be better (or faster)?