Constructors

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JavaScript Object Constructors

Sometimes we need a blueprint for creating many objects of the same "type". The way to create an "object type", is to use an object constructor function.

1. Creating a Constructor Function

It is considered good practice to name constructor functions with an uppercase first letter.
function Person(first, last, age, eye) { this.firstName = first; this.lastName = last; this.age = age; this.eyeColor = eye; }

2. The new Keyword

In the constructor function, this does not have a value. It is a substitute for the new object. The value of this will become the new object when a new object is created.
const myFather = new Person("John", "Doe", 50, "blue"); const myMother = new Person("Sally", "Rally", 48, "green");

3. Adding a Property to a Constructor

You cannot add a new property to an existing object constructor the same way you add a new property to an existing object:
Person.nationality = "English"; // This will NOT work
To add a new property to a constructor, you must add it inside the constructor function, or use prototypes.

4. Adding a Method to a Constructor

You can also add methods to your constructor function:
function Person(first, last) { this.firstName = first; this.lastName = last; this.name = function() { return this.firstName + " " + this.lastName; }; }
[!IMPORTANT] Every time you create a new object instance using this constructor, a fresh copy of the name function is created in memory. To share the same function across all instances, you should use the prototype.

Top Interview Questions

?Interview Question

Q:What is the role of the 'new' keyword?
A:
The 'new' keyword creates a new empty object, sets the 'this' context of the constructor to that new object, links it to the constructor's prototype, and returns the new object.

?Interview Question

Q:Why should constructor functions start with a capital letter?
A:
This is a naming convention to signal to other developers that the function is intended to be called with the 'new' keyword.

?Interview Question

Q:What happens if you call a constructor without the 'new' keyword?
A:
In non-strict mode, 'this' will refer to the global object (window), likely adding properties to it accidentally. In strict mode, 'this' will be undefined and throw an error.

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