Special member functions in C++ are functions which the compiler will automatically generate if they are used, but not declared explicitly by the programmer. The special member functions are:
- Default constructor (if no other constructor is explicitly declared)
- Copy constructor if no move constructor or move assignment operator is explicitly declared.
- If a destructor is declared generation of a copy constructor is deprecated.
- Move constructor if no copy constructor, move assignment operator or destructor is explicitly declared.
- Copy assignment operator if no move constructor or move assignment operator is explicitly declared.
- If a destructor is declared generation of a copy assignment operator is deprecated.
- Move assignment operator if no copy constructor, copy assignment operator or destructor is explicitly declared.
- Destructor
In these cases the compiler generated versions of these functions perform a memberwise operation. For example the compiler generated destructor will destroy each sub-object (base class or member) of the object.
The compiler generated functions will be public, non-virtual and the copy constructor and assignment operators will receive const& parameters (and not be of the alternative legal forms).
Read more about Special Member Functions: Example, Signatures, C++98
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