What are some examples of C++ destructors?

What are some examples of C++ destructors?

C++ destructors are special member functions that are called when an object goes out of scope or is deleted. They are used to free resources. For example, if you have a class that allocates memory, the destructor can be used to deallocate that memory.

Can you show me a simple example of a destructor in a class?

Sure! Here's a simple example:

class MyClass {
public:
    MyClass() { 
        // Constructor code
    }
    ~MyClass() { 
        // Destructor code, e.g., freeing resources
    }
};

In this example, ~MyClass() is the destructor that gets called when an object of MyClass is destroyed.

What happens if I forget to define a destructor?

If you forget to define a destructor, the compiler provides a default destructor that does nothing. However, if your class allocates resources like dynamic memory, you may end up with memory leaks since the resources won't be freed properly.

Are destructors inherited in C++?

Yes, destructors are inherited in C++. If a base class has a destructor, the derived class will inherit it. However, if the base class destructor is virtual, it ensures that the derived class's destructor is called when an object is deleted through a base class pointer.