Move constructor
A move constructor is a C++ special member function that initializes a new object by transferring resources from another object.
100 C++ Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
A move constructor is a C++ special member function that initializes an object by transferring resources from a source object.
- How it is used
- Transfers exclusive resource ownership efficiently when constructing objects from temporaries or explicitly movable sources.
- How deep it goes
- Explains rvalue references, pointer transfer, source neutralization, and coordination with other special members.
- Examples
- Uses Page pointer ownership, InputReader arrays, and vector emplacement to contrast copying, moving, and direct construction.
- What you can do after
- Build resource-owning classes with move construction, source neutralization, and compatible copy, assignment, and destruction behavior.
Read how 100 C++ Mistakes and How to Avoid Them explains move constructor →
Learn C++ by Example
A move constructor is a constructor that initializes an object by taking ownership of resources from another object, typically an rvalue.
- How it is used
- Uses move construction to avoid unnecessary copies when temporary vectors are inserted into containers.
- How deep it goes
- Explains rvalue overload selection and resource reuse, but only sketches move semantics and perfect forwarding.
- Examples
- Demonstrates temporary row vectors while generating Pascal’s triangle with push_back and emplace_back.
- What you can do after
- Apply it via std::vector insertion while recognizing when overload resolution selects moving instead of copying.
Related concepts
- big fivepart of · The rule of five is a C++ guideline that classes managing resources should consider defining a destructor, copy constructor, copy assignment operator, move constructor, and move assignment operator.
- initializerkind of · An initializer is a function, declaration, or language construct that establishes the initial value or state of an object, value, computation, or process.
- copy constructorcontrasts with · A copy constructor is a constructor that initializes a new object from an existing object of the same class or type.
- moveimplements · Move semantics describe the transfer of a value or its resources to another binding or object rather than duplicating them.
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