Constructors
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Expert Answer & Key Takeaways
Mastering Constructors is essential for high-fidelity technical architecture and senior engineering roles in 2026.
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 workTo 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 thenamefunction 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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