C++ Constructors and Destructors: Initializer Lists & Deep vs Shallow Copying

A Constructor is a special member function that initializes a new object upon creation. A Destructor is invoked automatically when the object goes out of scope, releasing any allocated resources.

Types of Constructors in C++

#include <iostream>

class DynamicArray {
private:
    int* buffer;
    int size;

public:
    // 1. Parameterized Constructor with Member Initializer List
    DynamicArray(int s) : size(s), buffer(new int[s]{}) {
        std::cout << "Allocated array of size: " << size << "\n";
    }

    // 2. Deep Copy Constructor
    DynamicArray(const DynamicArray& other) : size(other.size), buffer(new int[other.size]) {
        for (int i = 0; i < size; ++i) {
            buffer[i] = other.buffer[i];
        }
        std::cout << "Deep copy constructor executed!\n";
    }

    // 3. Destructor
    ~DynamicArray() {
        delete[] buffer;
        std::cout << "Destructor: Heap buffer released safely.\n";
    }
};

int main() {
    DynamicArray a1(5);
    DynamicArray a2 = a1; // Calls Deep Copy Constructor!
    return 0;
}