Is using a C++ "Virtual Constructor" generally considered good practice?
<p>Yes i know the phrase "virtual constructor" makes no sense but i still see articles like this </p>

<p>one: <a href="http://www.informit.com/guides/content.aspx?g=cplusplus&amp;seqNum=184" rel="nofollow">http://www.informit.com/guides/content.aspx?g=cplusplus&amp;seqNum=184</a></p>

<p>and i'v heard it mentioned as a c++ interview.</p>

<p>What is the general consensus? 
Is a "Virtual Constructor" good practice or something to be avoided completely?</p>

<p>To be more more precise, can some one provide me with a real world scenario where they have had to use it, from where i stand this concept of virt. constr. is a somewhat useless invention but i could be wrong.</p>

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