ItsRunTym

C++
50+ interview questions/answers

1. What is C++? Describe the advantages of C++?

C++ is a high-level programming language developed by Bjarne
Stroustrup. It is an extension of the C programming language and
supports object-oriented programming (OOP) features. By object-
oriented we mean that it works with the concept
of polymorphism, inheritance, abstraction, encapsulation, object, and
class.
C++ is widely used for developing system/software applications, games,
drivers, and more.
Advantages of C++:
• C++ is an OOPs language that means the data is considered as
objects.
• C++ is a multi-paradigm language; In simple terms, it means that
we can program the logic, structure, and procedure of the
program.
• Memory management is a key feature in C++ as it enables dynamic
memory allocation
• It is a Mid-Level programming language which means it can
develop games, desktop applications, drivers, and kernels
To read more, refer to the article – What are the advantages of C++?

2. What is the difference between C and C++?

C C++

It is a procedural It is a mixture of both

programming language. In procedural and object-oriented
 C C++

simple words, it does not programming languages. In

support classes and objects simple words, it supports
classes and objects.

It does not support any OOPs

concepts like polymorphism, It supports all concepts of
data abstraction, data
encapsulation, classes, and
objects.

It supports Function and

It does not support Function and
Operator Overloading
Operator Overloading
respectively

It is a function-driven It is an object-driven language

language

For more information, refer to Difference between C and C++

3. Define ‘std’?
‘std’ is also known as Standard or it can be interpreted as a namespace.
The command “using namespace std” informs the compiler to add
everything under the std namespace and inculcate them in the global
namespace. This all inculcation of global namespace benefits us to use
“cout” and “cin” without using “std::_operator_”.
For more information, refer to namespace and std.

4. What is a class in C++?

A class in C++ is a user-defined data type that serves as a blueprint for
creating objects. It encapsulates data members (attributes) and member
functions (methods) to operate on that data. Classes provide abstraction,
encapsulation, inheritance, and polymorphism.
// Example of a class in C++
 class Rectangle {
private:
int length;
int width;
public:
// Constructor
Rectangle(int l, int w) : length(l), width(w) {}

// Member function to calculate area

int area() {
return length * width;
}
};

5. What is an object in C++?

An object in C++ is an instance of a class. It represents a real-world entity
with attributes (data members) and behaviors (member functions). Objects
are created using the class blueprint and can interact with each other to
perform tasks.

// Creating objects of the Rectangle class

Rectangle rect1(5, 4); // Object 1
Rectangle rect2(3, 7); // Object 2

// Calling member function on objects

int area1 = rect1.area(); // Area of rect1
int area2 = rect2.area(); // Area of rect2

6. Differentiate between a class and an object in C++.

A class is a blueprint or template for creating objects, whereas an object is
an instance of a class. A class defines the properties and behaviors common
to all objects of that type, whereas an object represents a specific instance
with its unique data.

7. What are references in C++?

 When a variable is described as a reference it becomes an alias of the
already existing variable. In simple terms, a referenced variable is another
named variable of an existing variable keeping in mind that changes made in
the reference variable will be reflected in the already existing variable. A
reference variable is preceded with a ‘&’ symbol.

Syntax:
int RUN = 10;

// reference variable
int& ref = RUN;
For more information, refer to references in C++

8. What do you mean by Call by Value and Call by Reference?

In this programming language to call a function we have 2 methods: Call by
Value and Call by Reference
Call by Value Call by Reference

A variable itself is passed

A copy of a variable is passed.
fundamentally.

Calling a function by sending the Calling a function by sending the

values by copying variables. address of the passed variable.

The changes made in the function The changes made in the functions
are never reflected outside the can be seen outside the function on
function on the variable. In short, the passed function. In short, the
the original value is never altered original value is altered in Call by
in Call by Value. reference.

Passed actual and formal Passed actual and formal parameters

parameters are stored in different are stored in the same memory
memory locations. Therefore, location. Therefore, making Call by
 Call by Value Call by Reference

making Call by Value a little Reference a little more memory

memory insufficient efficient.

For information, refer to the difference between call by value and call by
reference

9. Define token in C++

A token is the smallest individual element of a program that is understood
by a compiler. A token comprises the following:

• Keywords – That contain a special meaning to the compiler

• Identifiers – That hold a unique value/identity
• Constants – That never change their value throughout the program
• Strings – That contains the homogenous sequence of data
• Special Symbols – They have some special meaning and cannot be used
for another purpose; eg: [] () {}, ; * = #
• Operators – Who perform operations on the operand
For more information, refer to Tokens in C++

10.What are the different data types present in C++?

 For more information, refer to C++ data types

11.What is the difference between struct and class?

Class
Struct

Members of the class can be in

Members of the struct are private, protected, and public
always by default public mode modes.

Structures are of the value type. Classes are of reference type. It

They only hold value in holds a reference of an object in
memory. memory.

The memory in structures is The memory in classes is stored as

stored as stacks heaps.

For more information, refer to the Difference between struct and class.

12.What is the difference between reference and pointer?

 Pointer
Reference

The value of a reference cannot The value of a pointer can be

be reassigned reassigned

It can never hold a null value as It can hold or point at a null value
it needs an existing value to and be termed as a nullptr or null
become an alias of pointer

It cannot work with arrays It can work with arrays

To access the members of To access the members of

class/struct it uses a ‘ . ‘ class/struct it uses a ‘ -> ‘

The memory location of The memory location of a pointer

reference can be accessed easily cannot be accessed easily as we
or it can be used directly have to use a dereference ‘ * ‘

For more information, refer to the Difference between reference and

pointer

13.What is the difference between function overloading and operator

overloading?
Operator Overloading
Function Overloading

It is basically defining a It is basically giving practice of giving

function in numerous ways a special meaning to the existing
such that there are many meaning of an operator or in simple
ways to call it or in simple terms redefining the pre-redefined
terms you have multiple meaning
versions of the same function
 Operator Overloading
Function Overloading

Parameterized Functions are a

good example of Function Polymorphism is a good example of
Overloading as just by an operator overloading as an object
changing the argument or of allocations class can be used and
parameter of a function you called by different classes for
make it useful for different different purposes
purposes

Example of Function
Example of Operator Overloading:
Overloading:
int RUN() = X() + Y();
int RUN(int X, int Y);
int RUN() = X() – Y();
int RUN(char X, char Y);

For more information, refer to Operator Overloading and Function

Overloading

14.What is the difference between an array and a list?

Lists
Arrays

Array are contiguous memory Lists are classic individual elements

locations of homogenous data that are linked or connected to
types stored in a fixed location each other with the help of pointers
or size. and do not have a fixed size.

Arrays are static in nature. Lists are dynamic in nature

Uses more memory as it has to

Uses less memory than linked store the value and the pointer
lists. memory location

For more information, refer to Arrays Vs List

15.What is the difference between a while loop and a do-while loop?
do-while Loop
While Loop

While loop is also termed an entry- The do-while loop is termed

controlled loop an exit control loop

Even if the condition is not

If the condition is not satisfied the satisfied the statements
statements inside the loop will not inside the loop will execute
execute for at least one time

Example of a do-while loop:

Example of a while loop:
do {
while(condition) statements to be executed;
{statements to be executed;}; } while(condition or
expression);

For more information, refer to the Difference between while and do-while
loop

16.Discuss the difference between prefix and postfix?

postfix
prefix

It simply means putting the It simply means putting the

operator before the operand operator after the operand

It executes itself before ‘; ‘ It executes itself after ‘; ‘

Associativity of prefix ++ is right to Associativity of postfix ++ is left

left to right

For more information, refer to the Difference between prefix and postfix
17.What is the difference between new and malloc()?
malloc()
new

new is an operator which malloc is a function that returns

performs an operation and accepts values

new calls the constructors malloc cannot call a constructor

new is faster than malloc as it is malloc is slower than new as it is

an operator a function

new returns the exact data type malloc returns void*

For more information, refer to Difference between new and malloc()

18.What is the difference between virtual functions and pure virtual

functions?
Pure Virtual Function
Virtual Function

A Pure Virtual Function is a member

A Virtual Function is a member
function of a base class that is only
function of a base class that can
declared in a base class and defined in a
be redefined in another derived
derived class to prevent it from becoming
class.
an abstract class.

A virtual Function has its There is no definition in Pure Virtual

definition in its respective base Function and is initialized with a pure
class. specifier (= 0).

The base class has a virtual A base class having pure virtual function
function that can be becomes abstract that cannot be
 Pure Virtual Function
Virtual Function

represented or instanced; In represented or instanced; In simple

simple words, its object can be words, it means its object cannot be
made. made.

For more information, refer to the Difference between virtual functions and
pure virtual functions

19.What are classes and objects in C++?

A class is a user-defined data type where all the member functions and data
members are tailor-made according to demands and requirements in
addition to which these all can be accessed with the help of an object. To
declare a user-defined data type we use a keyword class.

An object is an instance of a class and an entity with value and state; In

simple terms, it is used as a catalyst or to represent a class member. It may
contain different parameters or none.

Note: A class is a blueprint that defines functions which are used by an

object.
For more information, refer to this What are classes and objects

20.What is Function Overriding?

When a function of the same name, same arguments or parameters, and
same return type already present/declared in the base class is used in a
derived class is known as Function Overriding. It is an example of Runtime
Polymorphism or Late Binding which means the overridden function will be
executed at the run time of the execution.

For more information, refer to Function Overriding in C++

21.What are the various OOPs concepts in C++?

• Classes: It is a user-defined datatype
• Objects: It is an instance of a class
 • Abstraction: It is a technique of showing only necessary details
• Encapsulation: Wrapping of data in a single unit
• Inheritance: The capability of a class to derive properties and
characteristics from another class
• Polymorphism: Polymorphism is known as many forms of the same
thing
For more information, refer to Various OOPs concepts in C++

22.Explain inheritance
The capability or ability of a class to derive properties and characteristics
from another class is known as inheritance. In simple terms, it is a system or
technique of reusing and extending existing classes without modifying
them.
For more information, refer to Inheritance

23.When should we use multiple inheritance?

Multiple inheritances mean that a derived class can inherit two or more
base/parent classes. It is useful when a derived class needs to combine
numerous attributes/contracts and inherit some, or all, of the
implementation from these attributes/contracts.
To take a real-life example consider your Parents where Parent A is your
DAD Parent B is your MOM and Chid C is you.

Multiple Inheritances
For more information, refer to Multiple Inheritance.

24.What is virtual inheritance?

Virtual inheritance is a technique that ensures only one copy of a base
class’s member variables is inherited by grandchild-derived classes. Or in
simple terms, virtual inheritance is used when we are dealing with a
 situation of multiple inheritances but want to prevent multiple instances of
the same class from appearing in the inheritance hierarchy.

25.What is polymorphism in C++?

Polymorphism is known as many forms of the same thing. In simple terms,
we can say that Polymorphism is the ability to display a member function in
multiple forms depending on the type of object that calls them.

In other words, we can also say that a man can be an employee to

someone, a son of someone, a father of someone, and a husband of
someone; this is how polymorphism can be projected in real life.

There is 2 type of polymorphism:

Compile Time Polymorphism
a. Function Overloading
b. Operator Overloading
Run Time Polymorphism
c. Function Overriding
d. Virtual Function
To know more about it, refer to Polymorphism

26.What are the different types of polymorphism in C++?

There is 2 type of polymorphism

1. Compile Time Polymorphism or Static Binding

This type of polymorphism is achieved during the compile time of the
program which results in it making a bit faster than Run time. Also,
Inheritance is not involved in it.
It is comprised of 2 further techniques:

- Function Overloading: When there are multiple functions with the same
name but different parameters then this is known as function
overloading.
C++
// same name different arguments
int RUN() {}
int RUN(int a) {}
float RUN(double a) {}
int RUN(int a, double b) {}

- Operator Overloading: It is basically giving practice of giving a special

meaning to the existing meaning of an operator or in simple terms
redefining the pre-redefined meaning
C++
class RUN {
// private and other modes
statements public returnType
operator symbol(arguments){ statements } statements
};

2. Run-Time Polymorphism or Late Binding

Run-time polymorphism takes place when functions are invoked during run
time.

- Function Overriding: Function overriding occurs when a base class

member function is redefined in a derived class with the same arguments
and return type.
C++
// C++ program to demonstrate
// Function overriding
#include
<iostream> using namespace std;
class RUN {
public:
virtual void display()
{
cout << "Function of base class" << endl;
}
};
class derived_RUN : public RUN {
public:
 void display()
{
cout << "Function of derived class" << endl;
}
};

int main()
{
derived_RUN rn;
rn.display();
return 0;
}
Output:
Function of derived class
For more information, refer to Different types of Polymorphism

27.Compare compile-time polymorphism and Runtime polymorphism

Compile-Time Polymorphism Runtime Polymorphism

28.It is also termed static binding It is also termed Dynamic binding and
and early binding. Late binding.

It is fast because execution is It is slow as compared to compile-time

known early at compile time. because execution is known at runtime.

It is achieved by function
It is achieved by virtual functions and
overloading and operator
function overriding.
overloading.

For more information, refer to Compile-time polymorphism and Runtime

polymorphism

29.Explain the constructor in C++.

A constructor is a special type of member function of a class, whose name is
the same as that of the class by whom it is invoked and initializes value to
the object of a class.
There are 3 types of constructors:
A. Default constructor: It is the most basic type of constructor which
accepts no arguments or parameters. Even if it is not called the compiler
calls it automatically when an object is created.
Example:
C++
class Class_name {
public:
Class_name() { cout << "I am a default constructor"; }
};

B. Parameterized constructor: It is a type of constructor which accepts

arguments or parameters. It has to be called explicitly by passing values in
the arguments as these arguments help initialize an object when it is
created. It also has the same name as that of the class.
Also, It is used to overload constructors.
Example:
C++
// CPP program to demonstrate
// parameterized constructors
#include
<iostream> using namespace std;
class RUN {
private:
int x, y;

public:
// Parameterized Constructor
RUN(int x1, int y1)
{
x = x1;
y = y1;
}
int getX() { return x; }
 int getY() { return y; }
};

int main()
{
// Constructor called
RUN R(10, 15);
// Access values assigned by constructor
cout << "R.x = " << R.getX() << ", R.y = " << R.getY();
return 0;
}

Output
R.x = 10, R.y = 15

B. Copy Constructor: A copy constructor is a member function that

initializes an object using another object of the same class. Also, the
Copy constructor takes a reference to an object of the same class as an
argument.

Example:
C++
Sample(Sample& t) { id = t.id; }

For more information, refer to Constructors

30.What are destructors in C++?

Destructors are members of functions in a class that delete an object when
an object of the class goes out of scope. Destructors have the same name as
the class preceded by a tilde (~) sign. Also, destructors follow a down-to-
top approach, unlike constructors which follow a top-to-down.

Syntax:
~constructor_name(); // tilde sign signifies that it is a destructor
For more information, refer to Destructor.

31.What is a virtual destructor?

 When destroying instances or objects of a derived class using a base class
pointer object, a virtual destructor is invoked to free up memory space
allocated by the derived class object or instance.

Virtual destructor guarantees that first the derived class’ destructor is

called. Then the base class’s destructor is called to release the space
occupied by both destructors in the inheritance class which saves us from
the memory leak. It is advised to make your destructor virtual whenever
your class is polymorphic.
For more information, refer to Virtual Destructor

32.Is destructor overloading possible? If yes then explain and if no then why?
The simple answer is NO we cannot overload a destructor. It is mandatory
to only destructor per class in C++. Also to mention, Destructor neither take
arguments nor they have a parameter that might help to overload.

33.Which operations are permitted on pointers?

Pointers are the variables that are used to store the address location of
another variable.
Operations that are permitted to a pointer are:
- Increment/Decrement of a Pointer
- Addition and Subtraction of integer to a pointer
- Comparison of pointers of the same type

34.What is the purpose of the “delete” operator?

The delete operator is used to delete/remove all the
characteristics/properties from an object by deallocating its memory;
furthermore, it returns true or false in the end. In simple terms, it destroys
or deallocates array and non-array(pointer) objects which are created by
new expressions.
C++
int RUN = new int[100];
// uses RUN for deletion
delete[] RUN;

For more information, refer to Delete operator

35.How delete [] is different from delete?

delete[] delete

It is used to delete only one single

It is used for deleting a whole array
pointer

It is used for deleting the objects It is used for deleting the objects
of new[]; By this, we can say of new; By this, we can say
that delete[] is used to delete an array that delete is used to delete a
of objects single object

It can only call the destructor of a

It can call as many destructors it wants
class once

36.What do you know about friend class and friend function?

A friend class is a class that can access both the protected and private
variables of the classes where it is declared as a friend.

Example of friend class:

C++
class Class_1st {
// ClassB is a friend class of ClassA
friend class Class_2nd;
statements;
}
class Class_2nd {
statements;
}

A friend function is a function used to access the private, protected, and

public data members or member functions of other classes.
It is declared with a friend keyword.
The advantage of a friend function is that it is not bound to the scope of the
class and once it is declared in a class, furthermore to that, it cannot be
 called by an object of the class; therefore it can be called by other functions.
Considering all the mentioned points we can say that a friend function is a
global function.

Example of friend function:

C++
class RUN {
statements;
friend dataype function_Name(arguments);
statements;
} OR class RUN {
Statements;
friend int divide(10, 5);
statements;
}

For more information, refer to the friend function and friend class

37.What is an Overflow Error?

Overflow Error occurs when the number is too large for the data type to
handle. In simple terms, it is a type of error that is valid for the defined but
exceeds used the defined range where it should coincide/lie.

For example, the range of int data type is –

2,147,483,648 to 2,147,483,647 and if we declare a variable of
size 2,247,483,648 it will generate a overflow error.

38.What does the Scope Resolution operator do?

A scope resolution operator is denoted by a ‘::‘ symbol. Just like its name
this operator resolves the barrier of scope in a program. A scope resolution
operator is used to reference a member function or a global variable out of
their scope furthermore to which it can also access the concealed variable
or function in a program.
Scope Resolution is used for numerous amounts of tasks:
- To access a global variable when there is a local variable with the
same name
- To define the function outside the class
 - In case of multiple inheritances
- For namespace
For more information, refer to Scope resolution operator

39.What are the C++ access modifiers?

The access restriction specified to the class members( whether it is member
function or data member) is known as access modifiers/specifiers.

Access Modifiers are of 3 types:

Private – It can neither be accessed nor be viewed from outside the class
Protected – It can be accessed if and only if the accessor is the derived class
Public – It can be accessed or be viewed from outside the class
For more information, refer to Access Modifiers

40.Can you compile a program without the main function?

Yes, it is absolutely possible to compile a program without a main().
For example Use Macros that defines the main

C++
// C++ program to demonstrate the
// a program without main()
#include
<stdio.h>
#define fun main
int fun(void)
{
printf("ItsRunTym");
return 0;
}
For more information, refer to Can you compile a program without the main
function

41.What is STL?
STL is known as Standard Template Library, it is a library that provides 4
components like container, algorithms, and iterators.
 C++ STL
For more information, refer to STL in C++

42.Define inline function. Can we have a recursive inline function in C++?

An inline function is a form of request not an order to a compiler which
results in the inlining of our function to the main function body.
An inline function can become overhead if the execution time of the
function is less than the switching time from the caller function to called
function.
To make a function inline use the keyword inline before and define the
function before any calls are made to the function.

Inline Function Explanation

Syntax:
 inline data_type function_name()
{
Body;
}

The answer is No; It cannot be recursive.

An inline function cannot be recursive because in the case of an inline
function the code is merely placed into the position from where it is called
and does not maintain a piece of information on the stack which is
necessary for recursion.
Plus, if you write an inline keyword in front of a recursive function, the
compiler will automatically ignore it because the inline is only taken as a
suggestion by the compiler.
For more information, refer to Inline Function

43.What is an abstract class and when do you use it?

An abstract class is a class that is specifically designed to be used as a base
class. An abstract class contains at least one pure virtual function. You
declare a pure virtual function by using a pure specifier(= 0) in the
declaration of a virtual member function in the class declaration
You cannot use an abstract class as a parameter type, a function return
type, or the type of an explicit conversion, nor can you declare an object of
an abstract class. However, it can be used to declare pointers and references
to an abstract class.
An abstract class is used if you want to provide a common, implemented
functionality among all the implementations of the component. Abstract
classes will allow you to partially implement your class, whereas interfaces
would have no implementation for any members whatsoever. In simple
words, Abstract Classes are a good fit if you want to provide implementation
details to your children but don’t want to allow an instance of your class to
be directly instantiated.

44.What are the static data members and static member functions?
The static data member of a class is a normal data member but preceded
with a static keyword. It executes before main() in a program and is
initialized to 0 when the first object of the class is created. It is only visible
to a defined class but its scope is of a lifetime.
 Syntax:
static Data_Type Data_Member;

The static member function is the member function that is used to access
other static data members or other static member functions. It is also
defined with a static keyword. We can access the static member function
using the class name or class objects.

Syntax:
classname::function name(parameter);

45.What is the main use of the keyword “Volatile”?

Just like its name, things can change suddenly and unexpectantly; So it is
used to inform the compiler that the value may change anytime. Also, the
volatile keyword prevents the compiler from performing optimization on the
code. It was intended to be used when interfacing with memory-mapped
hardware, signal handlers, and machine code instruction.
For more information, refer to this Volatile

46.Define storage class in C++ and name some

Storage class is used to define the features(lifetime and visibility) of a
variable or function. These features usually help in tracing the existence of a
variable during the runtime of a program.

Syntax:
storage_class var_data_type var_name;
Some types of storage classes:
 Examples of storage class
For more information, refer to Storage Class

47.What is a mutable storage class specifier? How can they be used?

Just like its name, the mutable storage class specifier is used only on a class
data member to make it modifiable even though the member is part of an
object declared as const. Static or const, or reference members cannot use
the mutable specifier. When we declare a function as const, this pointer
passed to the function becomes const.

48.Define the Block scope variable.

So the scope of a variable is a region where a variable is accessible. There
are two scope regions, A global and block or local.
A block scope variable is also known as a local scope variable. A variable
that is defined inside a function (like main) or inside a block (like loops and if
blocks) is a local variable. It can be used ONLY inside that particular
function/block in which it is declared. a block-scoped variable will not be
available outside the block even if the block is inside a function.

For more information, refer to Scope of a variable

49.What is the function of the keyword “Auto”?

 The auto keyword may be used to declare a variable with a complex type in
a straightforward fashion. You can use auto to declare a variable if the
initialization phrase contains templates, pointers to functions, references to
members, etc. With type inference capabilities, we can spend less time
having to write out things the compiler already knows. As all the types are
deduced in the compiler phase only, the time for compilation increases
slightly but it does not affect the runtime of the program.

For more information, refer to Auto in C++

50.Define namespace in C++.

Namespaces enable us to organize named items that would otherwise have
global scope into smaller scopes, allowing us to give them namespace
scope. This permits program parts to be organized into distinct logical
scopes with names. The namespace provides a place to define or declare
identifiers such as variables, methods, and classes.

Or we could say that A namespace is a declarative zone that gives the

identifiers (names of types, functions, variables, and so on) within it a
scope. Namespaces are used to arrange code into logical categories and to
avoid name clashes, which might happen when you have many libraries in
your code base.
For more information, refer to Namespace in C++

51.When is void() return type used?

The void keyword, when used as a function return type, indicates that the
function does not return a value. When used as a parameter list for a
function, void indicates that the function takes no parameters. Non-Value
Returning functions are also known as void functions. They’re called “void”
since they’re not designed to return anything. True, but only partially. We
can’t return values from void functions, but we can certainly return
something. Although void functions have no return type, they can return
values.
For more information, refer to Void return type.

52.What is the difference between shallow copy and deep copy?

Shallow Copy Deep Copy

In Shallow copy, a copy of the original In Deep copy, the copy of the
object is stored and only the original object and the repetitive
reference address is finally copied. In copies both are stored. In simple
simple terms, Shallow copy duplicates terms, Deep copy duplicates
as little as possible everything

A shallow copy of a collection is a

copy of the collection structure, not A deep copy of a collection is two
the elements. With a shallow copy, collections with all of the elements
two collections now share individual in the original collection duplicated.
elements.

A shallow copy is faster Deep copy is comparatively slower.

For more information, refer to Shallow copy VS Deep Copy

53.Can we call a virtual function from a constructor?

Yes, we can call a virtual function from a constructor. But it can throw an
exception of overriding.

54.What are void pointers?

Just like its name a void pointer is a pointer that is not associated with
anything or with any data type. Nevertheless, a void pointer can hold the
address value of any type and can be converted from one data type to
another.

For more, information refers to Void Pointer in C++

55.What is ‘this‘ pointer in C++?

this pointer enables every object to have access to its own address through
an essential pointer. All member functions take this pointer as an implicit
argument.
- this pointer may be used to refer to the calling object within a
member function.
- this pointer is used to pass an object as a parameter to another
method.
- Each object gets its own copy of the data member.
- this pointer is used to declare indexers.