Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: by using the new keyword followed by the class name and providing arguments that match the constructor signature
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
Parameterized constructors in Java allow objects to be created with specific initial values. Knowing the proper syntax for calling an argument constructor ensures that fields are initialized correctly at the moment of object creation. This question checks whether you remember how to invoke a constructor that takes parameters and how that differs from calling ordinary methods on existing objects.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- We have a Java class that defines at least one constructor with parameters.
- We want to create new instances and pass values for these parameters at creation time.
- We use standard Java syntax with the new keyword for object instantiation.
- We are not dealing with reflection or factory frameworks, only basic language features.
Concept / Approach:
Object creation in Java generally uses the new keyword followed by the class name and a pair of parentheses that contain any required arguments. The compiler chooses the appropriate constructor based on the number and types of arguments. Constructors are not called like ordinary instance methods on existing objects. They are tied to the creation process. There is also a special use of this() and super() to chain constructors inside the class or to the superclass, but those are internal calls within constructor bodies rather than external calls from other classes.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that the syntax for constructing an object with a parameterized constructor is new ClassName(arg1, arg2, ...).
Step 2: Understand that the argument list must match one of the declared constructor signatures in number, order and type.
Step 3: Recognize that constructors are not invoked on existing objects; you never write object.ConstructorName().
Step 4: Note that constructors cannot be static and cannot be called without new from outside the class, because they are not ordinary methods.
Step 5: Choose the option that clearly describes using new with the class name and matching arguments.
Verification / Alternative check:
Consider a class Point that has a constructor Point(int x, int y). To create a Point at coordinates 5 and 7 you write new Point(5, 7). You do not write Point(5, 7) alone, nor do you write p.Point(5, 7) on an existing object p. Also, there is no need to mark the constructor static. If you try to invoke it as a static method, the code will not compile. This simple example confirms that using new with the class name and arguments is the correct syntax, matching option A.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option B describes calling the constructor like a normal method on an existing object, which is not valid and does not compile in Java.
Option C suggests making constructors static and invoking them through the class name, but constructors cannot be declared static.
Option D mentions assigning a value directly to this, which is illegal in Java and does not invoke a constructor.
Common Pitfalls:
One pitfall is forgetting to use the new keyword when creating objects, which leads to compilation errors. Another is passing arguments of incompatible types, causing constructor resolution failures. Developers can also confuse constructor chaining with this() or super() inside a constructor body with external calls to create new instances. Clear understanding of the creation syntax helps avoid these problems and leads to predictable object initialization.
Final Answer:
The correct approach is by using the new keyword followed by the class name and providing arguments that match the constructor signature.
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