Noob constructor question

Hi, I am having a little trouble understanding constructiors and member functions. I am reading 2 books on c++, sams teach yourself c++ in 21 days and c++ interactive course. I am up to the chapter on constructors and both books take a different approach to using them. In the second book the member functions are in the class
example

Code:

---

class dog
{
private:
int d;
public:
int bark()
{
std::cout<<"Woof";
}
};

---

and in the first book they just call the function which is outside the class

Code:

---

class dog
{
private:
int d;
public:
int bark();
};

int bark()
{
std::cout<<"Woof";
}

---

does it make a difference?, which one is the usual way or doesn't it matter?
Also, with constructors, do you type its body within the class or outside of it?
I'm not quite sure if i understand constructors, are they just for defing the classes variables when an object is created and the deconstuctors get rid of them when the object dies?
Any help with this would be appreciated
Thanks:)

Are these both in the .cpp or are they split to .h and .cpp files (pertains more to the second example)?

Well, the second example should be

Code:

---

class dog
{
private:
int d;
public:
int bark();
};

int dog::bark()
{
std::cout<<"Woof";
}

---

The two ways are virtually identical (the only difference being that the first one acts as if its functions were declared with the inline keyword), but the second is usually preferred. This is because typically, a class is split into its interface (usually put in a .h file) and implementation (usually in a .cpp file).

Note that in both cases, the functions are a part of the class. In the first case, the function definition is inside the class definition. In the second case, the function is declared in the class definition, but is defined elsewhere.

Constructors and member functions can be defined within the class definition, or outside of it. It doesn't truly matter.

Quote:

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which one is the usual way

---

Member function definitions are usually outside the class braces, except when they're just used to do a very small task that typically fits on one line. Remember that, you are not calling the function anywhere in your example. Just remember:

Code:

---

class foo
{

void poo(int x); //decleration

};

...

poo(x); //call

...

void foo::poo(int x) //definition
{
return x;
}

---

Quote:

---

I'm not quite sure if i understand constructors, are they just for defing the classes variables when an object is created and the deconstuctors get rid of them when the object dies?

---

Pretty much, yes. Constructors are used to initalize the class variables, so that each time you create a new varaible of that class type, you don't have to worry about intializing every single variable. Very convenient.
Deconstructors arn't such a big deal. You normally don't need them unless your are allocating memory in the class(ie using the new operator). Correct me if I'm wrong?

Quote:

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sams teach yourself c++ in 21 days

---

That's an awful book IMO. Plus you can get it online for free. Why don't you search these boards for some better C++ books out there, there are tons of topics on it. I'm sure you'll find one that you like better.

funkydude,

Code:

---

void poo(int x) //definition
{
return x;
}

---

Looks like you didn't learn anything from this thread. Try reading Cat's post.

"Deconstructors arn't such a big deal."

Deconstructors?? Good grief.

Elite,

A great beginning C++ book is "Ivor Horton's Beginning C++". At the very least, that is a great reference for any beginner. Throw your present books in the trash, and get the book I recommended, and you will have an easier time learning C++. Good luck.

Quote:

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Looks like you didn't learn anything from this thread. Try reading Cat's post.

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Heh, whoops. :rolleyes: