What is the destructor in a C++ class?

A destructor in a C++ class is a special member function that is invoked automatically when an object of the class is destroyed, which typically happens when it goes out of scope or is explicitly deleted. The primary purpose of a destructor is to perform cleanup operations, such as releasing memory that was allocated during the lifetime of the object or closing files that were opened.

When an object is created, its constructor is called, which is responsible for initializing the object's attributes. However, when that object is no longer needed and the program reaches the end of its scope (or the object is explicitly deleted), the destructor is automatically invoked. This is crucial for managing resources effectively and preventing memory leaks, which can occur if dynamic memory is not properly released.

Therefore, the assertion that a destructor "cleans up memory when an object goes out of scope" is accurate and highlights the primary role of a destructor in resource management within C++.