Is self-initialization 'A a = a;' allowed?

Question

This code fails at runtime in the copy constructor.
But the compiler (MSVS2008) issues no warnings.

Could you explain (preferably cite the standard) whether this

Answer 1

A a = a; definitely should not be written. But a = a could be written. Your assignment operator must check for &rv == this and do nothing in case of a self-copy.

Oh, yes, you do need to write an assignment operator for class A.