Difference Between Copy Constructor and Assignment Operator in C++

In this post, we will understand the difference between copy constructor and assignment operator in C++.

Copy Constructor

• It is an overloaded constructor.

• It initializes the new object with an already existing object data/value.

• It is used when a new object is created with the help of some existing object.

• Both these objects would be stored in separate memory locations.

• If no copy constructor is defined inside the class, the compiler provides one on its own.

Assignment Operator

• It is an operator.

• It assigns the value of one object to another object, where both of these objects would already exist.

• It is used when it is required to assign an existing object to a new object.

• There is used a single memory location to store this object.

• But there are multiple reference variables used to point to this object’s location.

• If this operator is not overloaded, the bitwise copy will be created.

AmitDiwan

Published on 24-Mar-2021 13:18:55

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