copy construct and overloading = operator

[nayannovellus]

As we know that both copy constructors and overloading = opeartor copies one object to another then whats the difference between copy constructor and overloading = operator. There must be some difference ... right?

[Pradeep]

As we know that both copy constructors and overloading = opeartor copies one object to another then whats the difference between copy constructor and overloading = operator. There must be some difference ... right?

the differeces are :-
Copy constructor is invoked when objects are initialized ;) for ex.
1.when a new object is constructed and initialized with the existing object.
--- CLASS a = b; and CLASS a(b); //b is already existing object.

2.when objects are passed as arguement to the function then copy constructor is invoked

3.when a function returns by value then copy constructor is invoekd.

Overloading = opertator is called when objects are copied or during assignment :) .
ex. CLASS a; CLASS b; a=b;

I think this will help you.

[nayannovellus]

Thanks pradeep... but i wanna know i terms of memory allocation. i mean in copy constructors we use reference to an existing object but how exactly in assignment operator..
in short i just wanna know everything about it in terms of memory and nothing else...