Dynamic Object Creation

Dynamic Object Creation using new and delete in C++

IntermediateTopic: Memory Management Programs
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C++ Dynamic Object Creation Program

This program helps you to learn the fundamental structure and syntax of C++ programming.

Try This Code
#include <iostream>
#include <string>
using namespace std;

class Student {
private:
    string name;
    int age;
    int* marks;
    int numSubjects;

public:
    Student(string n, int a, int nSub) {
        name = n;
        age = a;
        numSubjects = nSub;
        marks = new int[numSubjects];  // Dynamic array in object
    }
    
    void setMarks() {
        cout << "Enter marks for " << numSubjects << " subjects: ";
        for (int i = 0; i < numSubjects; i++) {
            cin >> marks[i];
        }
    }
    
    void display() {
        cout << "Name: " << name << endl;
        cout << "Age: " << age << endl;
        cout << "Marks: ";
        for (int i = 0; i < numSubjects; i++) {
            cout << marks[i] << " ";
        }
        cout << endl;
    }
    
    ~Student() {
        delete[] marks;  // Free dynamic array
        cout << "Destructor called for " << name << endl;
    }
};

int main() {
    // Dynamically create object
    Student* student1 = new Student("Alice", 20, 3);
    student1->setMarks();
    
    cout << "\nStudent 1:" << endl;
    student1->display();
    
    // Create another object
    Student* student2 = new Student("Bob", 19, 3);
    student2->setMarks();
    
    cout << "\nStudent 2:" << endl;
    student2->display();
    
    // Free objects
    delete student1;
    delete student2;
    
    cout << "\nObjects deleted" << endl;
    
    return 0;
}
Output
Enter marks for 3 subjects: 85 90 88
Student 1:
Name: Alice
Age: 20
Marks: 85 90 88

Enter marks for 3 subjects: 92 87 91
Student 2:
Name: Bob
Age: 19
Marks: 92 87 91

Destructor called for Alice
Destructor called for Bob
Objects deleted

Understanding Dynamic Object Creation

Dynamic object creation allows you to create objects at runtime using new. The object exists until explicitly deleted with delete. Dynamic objects are stored on the heap. When deleting, the destructor is automatically called. This is useful for: 1) Objects with unknown lifetime, 2) Large objects, 3) Polymorphism with base class pointers, 4) Collections of objects.

Note: To write and run C++ programs, you need to set up the local environment on your computer. Refer to the complete article Setting up C++ Development Environment. If you do not want to set up the local environment on your computer, you can also use online IDE to write and run your C++ programs.

Practical Learning Notes for Dynamic Object Creation

This C++ program is part of the "Memory Management Programs" topic and is designed to help you build real problem-solving confidence, not just memorize syntax. Start by understanding the goal of the program in plain language, then trace the logic line by line with a custom input of your own. Once you can predict the output before running the code, your understanding becomes much stronger.

A reliable practice pattern is to run the original version first, then modify only one condition or variable at a time. Observe how that single change affects control flow and output. This deliberate style helps you understand loops, conditions, and data movement much faster than copying full solutions repeatedly.

For interview preparation, explain this solution in three layers: the high-level approach, the step-by-step execution, and the time-space tradeoff. If you can teach these three layers clearly, you are ready to solve close variations of this problem under time pressure.

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