C++ Tutorial: Classes & OOP
C++ classes — constructors, destructors, member functions, this pointer, operator overloading, and the Rule of Three/Five.
Build your own types with full control
C++ classes add encapsulation, constructors, destructors, and operator overloading to structs. The destructor is unique to C++ — it runs automatically when an object goes out of scope, enabling RAII.
Operator overloading lets your types behave like built-ins: `point1 + point2`, `cout << myObject`.
What you'll learn in this C++ classes & oop tutorial
This interactive C++ tutorial has 6 hands-on exercises. Estimated time: 22 minutes.
- Your first class — Classes default to `private` — the opposite of `struct`.
- Destructor — automatic cleanup — The destructor (`~ClassName()`) runs automatically when the object is destroyed.
- Member initializer list — Always use member initialiser lists instead of assignment in the constructor body:
- Operator overloading — Define operators for your types using `operator` keyword:
- this pointer — `this` is a pointer to the current object inside member functions. Use it when parameter names shadow member names:
- Build a Matrix class — No starter code.
C++ Classes & OOP concepts covered
- Build your own types with full control