what is a constructor function

In class-based object-oriented programming, a constructor is a special type of subroutine called to create an object. It prepares the new object for use, often accepting arguments that the constructor uses to set required member variables.

Don't get hung up on subroutine, think of that as a function.

Creating a Class is creating an idea. Creating an instance is creating an actual thing. So you can imagine the idea of a Person having properties such as name, age, height, hair color, etc. All of those properties are properties of the class that can have different values. When you create an instance of a class you create an actual object that has each of the properties assigned an actual value (you can use default values of course).

The class creates the mockup or idea of what you want in your program. The constructor function is the special function within a class definition that allows actual values to be set for the properties of that class.

You create an instance of a class by using the new keyword. var Jimbo = new Person(name: Jimbo); Now you can use Jimbo in your program!

See: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constructor_(object-oriented_programming)

There is additional information regarding constructor functions on the page you have linked to under the heading 'Using Object Constructors'. Did you try reading that, yet?

Thanks nico, that helps alot. Ted, sometimes seeing a video helps more since sometimes I get lost in the lingo. thanks again to you both.