What is the copy assignment operator in C++?

What is the copy assignment operator in C++?

The copy assignment operator in C++ is a special function that allows you to copy the values from one object to another of the same class.

Can you show me an example of how to implement it?

Sure! Here's a simple example:

class MyClass {
public:
    int value;
    MyClass(int v) : value(v) {}
    MyClass& operator=(const MyClass &other) {
        if (this != &other) {
            value = other.value;
        }
        return *this;
    }
};

This defines a copy assignment operator that checks for self-assignment.

What happens if I don't define a copy assignment operator?

If you don't define a copy assignment operator, the compiler provides a default one that performs a member-wise copy. This may lead to issues if your class manages resources like dynamic memory.

How can I prevent self-assignment in the operator?

You can prevent self-assignment by checking if the current object is the same as the object being assigned. This is done using if (this != &other) in the operator implementation.