Constructor overloading in Java is the concept of having more than one constructor with different parameters so that every constructor can perform a different task. In Java, overloaded constructors are called based on the parameters specified when a new object is executed. Constructor overloading is used when there is a need to initialize an object in different ways. For example, the Thread class has 8 types of constructors.
When defining multiple constructors of the same class, each constructor should have a different signature or input parameters. Each overloaded constructor is used to perform a different task in the class. Constructor overloading enables the creation of the object of a specific class in several ways, providing flexibility to clients of the class. Different constructors can accept different combinations of parameters, making it easier for developers to instantiate objects based on their specific needs.
It is important to note that the constructor calling should be the first statement in the constructor body. If we have defined any parameterized constructor, then the compiler will not create a default constructor, and vice versa if we don’t define any constructor, the compiler creates the default constructor (also known as no-arg constructor) by default during compilation. Recursive constructor calling is invalid in Java.
In terms of best practices, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. However, it is generally recommended to use constructor overloading when there is a need to initialize an object in different ways. It is also important to ensure that each constructor has a different signature or input parameters.
Overall, constructor overloading in Java provides flexibility and convenience to developers when creating objects of a specific class.