What is the role of the destructor in C++?

Can you explain what a destructor is in C++?

Sure! A destructor is a special member function that is called when an object goes out of scope or is deleted. It is used to free resources that the object may have acquired during its lifetime.

What happens if I don't define a destructor?

If you don't define a destructor, C++ provides a default one that does nothing. However, if your class allocates resources like memory or file handles, you may end up with memory leaks or other resource issues.

Can you give me an example of a destructor in action?

Certainly! Here's a simple example:

class MyClass {
public:
    MyClass() { /* constructor code */ }
    ~MyClass() { /* cleanup code */ }
};

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

Are destructors inherited in derived classes?

Yes, destructors are inherited in derived classes. If a base class has a destructor, the derived class will also have it, and it will be called when an object of the derived class is destroyed.