Difference between the Constructors and Methods

Last Updated : 16 Jun, 2026

In Java, constructors and methods are important components of a class that help in initializing objects and performing specific operations. A constructor is used to initialize an object when it is created, while a method defines the behavior and functionality of an object.

Both constructors and methods improve code reusability and program organization.
Java supports constructor and method overloading for multiple implementations.

Constructor

A constructor in Java is a special method used to initialize objects of a class. It is automatically called when an object is created and assigns initial values to object variables. Constructors help in setting up the initial state of an object.

Constructor has the same name as the class and does not have a return type.
It is automatically executed when an object is create

Syntax

class ClassName {
ClassName() {
// initialization code
}
}

Output

Constructor called
null
0

Method

A method in Java is a block of code that performs a specific task or operation. Methods define the behavior of objects and help in improving code reusability. They execute only when they are called by the program.

Methods contain a return type, method name, and parameters.
They help in code reusability and modular programming.

Syntax

class ClassName {
returnType methodName(parameters) {
// method body
}
}

Output

Sum of two integer values: 3

Constructors Vs Methods

Basis	Constructor	Method
Purpose	Used to initialize objects of a class	Used to perform specific operations or define object behavior
Name	Must have the same name as the class	Can have any valid name
Return Type	Does not have any return type	Must have a return type or void
Calling	Automatically called when an object is created	Called explicitly using the object name or class name
Execution	Executes only once when an object is created	Can be called multiple times whenever required
Inheritance	Cannot be inherited by subclasses	Can be inherited by subclasses
Overloading	Supports constructor overloading	Supports method overloading and method overriding
Purpose of Use	Initializes instance variables and sets object state	Performs calculations, operations, and other tasks
Modifiers	Cannot be static, final, or abstract	Can use access modifiers like static, final, and abstract
Syntax	Uses class name followed by parameters	Uses return type, method name, and parameters