What is a constructor in Java? How is it different from a method?

[Gurpreetsingh]

In the realm of Java programming constructors play a crucial role in initializing objects. They are essential parts of classes and are called every time an object from the class is constructed. Constructors are frequently compared to methods, however they have an entirely distinct function and possess distinct characteristics. Java Course in Pune

Understanding Constructors: In Java constructors, it is a specific type of method that's automatically invoked whenever an object is created. Its primary purpose is to initiate an object that has been created. Constructors are the same type as classes and do not come with a return type, and not even the void. They are different from normal methods.

The characteristics of constructors:

Initialization: Constructors are typically used to establish the condition of an object. They establish the initial values for instance variables and also perform the necessary tasks of setting up.

Name: Constructors share similar names to the classes they are part of. This convention of naming helps Java differentiate constructors and other techniques.

The No-Return Type Contrary to methods, constructors cannot return types. They are not able to return values and even the void.

Invocation: Constructors can be invoked with the new keyword each time an object belonging to the class is constructed. They are automatically invoked when the object is created.

Overloading: Constructors can be overloaded and a class may contain multiple constructors that have different parameter lists. Java utilizes the parameters provided to decide which constructor to call in a manner that is based on the arguments provided when creating objects.

The default constructor is If a class doesn't specify explicitly any constructors Java offers a default constructor. This default constructor will initialize instance variables using default values (0 null, null, or false, based on the nature of the variable). Java Classes in Pune

Access Modifiers: Constructors can be assigned access modifiers, such as the following: public, private, protected, or default package-private. This lets you control the level of access to constructors.