What is the purpose of a constructor in a class?

A constructor in a class is a special method that is automatically called when a new instance of the class is created. Its primary purpose is to initialize the object, setting up initial values for the instance variables, or data members, to ensure that the object starts in a valid state as soon as it is created. This process often includes assigning default values or values provided by the user during object instantiation.

This is crucial in object-oriented programming because it ensures that all necessary setup is completed before the object is used. It allows for tailored object creation, meaning different instances can be initialized in various ways based on the parameters passed to the constructor.

The other options do not accurately represent the main role of a constructor. Defining constant values is typically associated with static properties rather than the purpose of a constructor. Overriding methods is a concept related to inheritance and polymorphism, not specifically to constructors. Encapsulation refers to the bundling of data and methods that operate on the data, but it does not directly relate to the creation process that constructors facilitate. Therefore, the option correctly captures the essence of a constructor's functionality within a class.