Copy Constructor ????

[sundar_svb]

Hi...
wat is Copy Constructor ??? when it is invoked ???



Regards,
Sundar.G

[Notsosuperhero]

Basically it is to create a deep copy of an object.

A copy constructor takes the class name.

Its called when you create an object from another. Or when you assign an object to another.

// Assume these are implemented elsewhere, for simplicity sake
class Foo
{
public:
    Foo(); // Regular
    Foo(Foo &f); // Copy

    ...
};

Foo f1, f2;

Foo f3(f1); // Copy Constructor

f1.DoSomething();
f2 = f1; // Copy Constructor

Most compilers will provide one if you do not create it yourself, a very basic one though.

[exterminator]

Mind reading books? What are good books about C++ ?

[TheCPUWizard]

Actually the assignment operator is called when making assignments to existing objects. It is a common cause of confusion.

[jfaust]

Actually the assignment operator is called when making assignments to existing objects. It is a common cause of confusion.

To confuse even more (and hopefully clarify by doing so):

A a0;
A a1(a0);   // copy constructor
A a2 = a1;  // copy constructor
a2 = a1;    // assignment operator

Jeff

[TheCPUWizard]

Hence the reason for me using the word "existing" in my post

[jfaust]

Hence the reason for me using the word "existing" in my post

And also the reason I used the word "clarify" in my post

Jeff