What is the Difference Between Constructor and Destructor?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The main differences between a constructor and a destructor in C++ are as follows:
- Purpose: A constructor is used to initialize an object of a class, while a destructor is used to deallocate memory and clean up resources when an object is no longer needed.
- When called: Constructors are called automatically when an object is created, while destructors are called automatically when the program terminates or when an object goes out of scope.
- Arguments: Constructors can receive arguments, while destructors do not receive any arguments.
- Memory allocation: Constructors allocate memory to an object, while destructors deallocate the memory of an object.
- Overloading: Constructors can be overloaded, meaning there can be multiple constructors in a class with different parameters. However, destructors cannot be overloaded, and there is always a single destructor in a class.
Here's a summary of the differences:
Constructor | Destructor |
---|---|
Initializes the object of a class | Deallocates memory and cleans up resources when an object is no longer needed |
Called automatically when an object is created | Called automatically when the program terminates or when an object goes out of scope |
Can receive arguments | Does not receive any arguments |
Allocates memory to an object | Deallocates the memory of an object |
Can be overloaded (multiple constructors with different parameters in a class) | Cannot be overloaded (always a single destructor in a class) |
In summary, constructors and destructors are special member functions of a class that serve different purposes in the life cycle of an object. Constructors initialize objects when they are created, while destructors clean up resources and deallocate memory when objects are no longer needed.
Comparative Table: Constructor vs Destructor
Here is a table highlighting the differences between constructors and destructors:
Feature | Constructor | Destructor |
---|---|---|
Purpose | Initializes a new instance of a class, setting up initial states and allocating resources. | Cleans up an instance before it is destroyed, releasing resources and performing necessary cleanup. |
Timing of Call | Called when an object is created. | Called when an object is destroyed or goes out of scope. |
In object-oriented programming, constructors and destructors are special member functions of a class that handle the initialization and cleanup of objects, respectively. Constructors initialize new objects, setting up initial states and allocating resources, while destructors clean up, releasing resources and performing necessary cleanup as objects are destroyed.
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