What is the name of the special method that runs when a new instance of a class is created?

The method that runs when a new instance of a class is created is known as the constructor. This special method is fundamental in object-oriented programming, as it is automatically invoked when an object is instantiated. The primary purpose of a constructor is to initialize the new object, setting initial values for its properties or performing any setup procedures necessary for the object before it is used.

Constructors can also accept parameters, allowing for flexible object creation with differing initial states depending on the values passed at instantiation. This ensures that each object starts its life in a well-defined state.

In contrast, a destructor is a method that is called when an object is being destroyed, typically responsible for cleanup tasks like deallocating resources. An initializer may refer to methods or techniques used to set up values in some programming contexts, but it doesn't specifically identify the method called upon instantiation. The factory method, on the other hand, is a design pattern that provides a way to create objects, but it's distinct from the concept of a constructor, as it may involve more complex logic and can return different subclasses of a base type.