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Destructor: meaning, definitions and examples

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destructor

[ dɪˈstrʌktər ]

Noun

^{Context #1 | Noun}

programming

A destructor is a special member function in a class that is called when an object is destroyed. It is used to release resources that were allocated during the object's lifetime.

Synonyms

cleanup function, finalizer.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
destructor	Primarily used in object-oriented programming, especially in languages like C++ or Rust, where it refers to a special method called when an object is about to be destroyed. The destructor releases memory allocated by the object. In C++, the destructor name is preceded by a tilde (~).
finalizer	Mostly used in managed languages like Java or C#, describing a method called by the garbage collector before an object is reclaimed. Unlike destructors, their timing and guarantees can be less predictable. In Java, the finalize method is used as a finalizer. A finalizer might be called if an object needs to perform additional cleanup right before garbage collection.
cleanup function	Used broadly in programming to describe any routine or method designed to handle resource deallocation or other cleanup tasks before a program or operation ends. The cleanup function closes file handles and network connections. Before exiting, the program calls a cleanup function to ensure all temporary files are deleted.

Word

Description / Examples

destructor

Primarily used in object-oriented programming, especially in languages like C++ or Rust, where it refers to a special method called when an object is about to be destroyed.

The destructor releases memory allocated by the object.
In C++, the destructor name is preceded by a tilde (~).

finalizer

Mostly used in managed languages like Java or C#, describing a method called by the garbage collector before an object is reclaimed. Unlike destructors, their timing and guarantees can be less predictable.

In Java, the finalize method is used as a finalizer.
A finalizer might be called if an object needs to perform additional cleanup right before garbage collection.

cleanup function

Used broadly in programming to describe any routine or method designed to handle resource deallocation or other cleanup tasks before a program or operation ends.

The cleanup function closes file handles and network connections.
Before exiting, the program calls a cleanup function to ensure all temporary files are deleted.

Examples of usage

The destructor is typically used to deallocate memory or close files.
In C++, destructors are defined with a tilde (~) followed by the class name.
Using destructors helps prevent memory leaks in object-oriented programming.
The destructor is automatically called when an object goes out of scope.
In object-oriented programming, destructors are essential for proper resource management.

Translations

Translations of the word "destructor" in other languages:

🇵🇹 destruidor

🇮🇳 विध्वंसक

🇩🇪 Zerstörer

🇮🇩 penghancur

🇺🇦 деструктор

🇵🇱 niszczyciel

🇯🇵 破壊者 (はかいしゃ, hakaisha)

🇫🇷 destructeur

🇪🇸 destructor

🇹🇷 yıkıcı

🇰🇷 파괴자 (pagoija)

🇸🇦 مدمر

🇨🇿 ničitel

🇸🇰 ničiteľ

🇨🇳 毁灭者 (huǐmièzhě)

🇸🇮 uničevalec

🇮🇸 eyðandi

🇰🇿 қираушы

🇬🇪 დამანგრეველი

🇦🇿 dağıdıcı

🇲🇽 destructor

Etymology

The term 'destructor' originated in the field of computer science, specifically in the context of object-oriented programming languages like C++ and Java. It is derived from the word 'destroy', indicating its purpose of cleaning up or releasing resources when an object is no longer needed. The concept of destructors plays a crucial role in preventing memory leaks and ensuring efficient resource management in software development.