Why compiler provides default copy constructor

Question

I wanted to know Why compiler provides default copy constructor..Whats the strategy behind that idea.

Thanks in Advance.

Answer 1

I don't know why it was originally designed that way. But as a user I can say why I'm glad they did.

1. If you use all RAII or POD types, a copy constructor will do the right thing
2. Copy constructors don't require thinking or maintenance, they just work given #1

I feel the same way about the default assignment operator. Most people either a) define their copy constructor / equals operator incorrectly or fail to maintain it. I've removed a lot of bugs in C++ code by switching to RAII types and deleting hand coded operators / copy constructors.