C++ from Scratch: Constructors and Object Initialization

Constructors are used to automatically initialize member variables when an object is created, avoiding the trouble of manual assignment. They are special member functions with the same name as the class, no return type, and are automatically called when an object is created. If a constructor is not defined, the compiler generates an empty default constructor. If a parameterized constructor is defined, the default constructor must be manually written (e.g., a parameterless constructor or one with parameters having default values). Initializer lists directly initialize member variables, which is more efficient, and are mandatory for const member variables. It should be noted that constructors cannot have a return type, and the order of the initializer list does not affect the order of member declarations. Constructors ensure that objects have a reasonable initial state, avoiding random values, and enhance code security and maintainability.