Uses of member initializer list in constructors?

Question

I'm looking for uses of initializer lists in constructors. As an example, cant always

struct A {
int var1;
char var2;
A(int a, char b) : var1(a), var2(b)
{}
};

be translated to

struct A {
int var1;
char var2;
A(int a, char b)
{
var1 = a;
var2 = b;
}
};

?

Answer 1

As per explained in the lesson, member initializer list can be used to initialize a constant, something that cannot be accomplished with the second example above (initialization in constructor body).

Answer 2

Member initializer lists are also good for execution speed because they give the compiler preciser information.

Answer 3

Member initializer lists specifies the initializers for direct and virtual base sub objects and non-static data members.