Constructors

A constructor is a special member function that runs automatically when an object is created.

Purpose

• Initialize member variables
• Allocate resources
• Set up the object in a valid state

Syntax

class Person {
    string name;
    int age;
public:
    // Constructor
    Person(string n, int a) : name(n), age(a) {}
};

Types of Constructors

1. Default: Takes no arguments (Person())
2. Parameterized: Takes arguments (Person(string n, int a))
3. Copy: Creates a copy of another object (Person(const Person& other))

Initializer List

• Preferred way to initialize members
• More efficient than assignment in the constructor body
• Required for const and reference members

Constructor Rules

• Same name as the class
• No return type (not even void)
• Called automatically when object is created
• Can be overloaded (multiple constructors with different parameters)