What distinguishes defining a function through a prototype versus as a class property?

Check out this code snippet:
Apple defines its function using a prototype.
Banana defines its function using a class property.

var Apple = function(){}
Apple.prototype.say = function(){
    console.debug('HelloWorld');
}
var Banana = function(){
    this.say = function(){
        console.debug('HelloWorld');
    }
}

var a = new Apple();
var b = new Banana();

a.say();
b.say();

Do you notice the difference?

Answer №1

When you instantiate multiple copies of Apple, you will still only have one instance of the say() method stored in memory. On the other hand, when you create more than one object of Banana, you will end up generating numerous instances of the say() function.

This is why prototypes are beneficial for memory management. They help reduce memory usage and prevent unnecessary creation and assignment of the say() function.

In addition, any changes made to the properties of the parent object will be reflected in the child object unless the child explicitly overrides those properties.

Answer №2

When it comes to prototype members, they are similar to class members in JavaScript. However, if you define them in a different way, they won't be considered as class members. This means that when creating multiple objects of Apple, they will all share the same function. On the other hand, with banana objects, each object will have its own copy of the function. To simplify, think of prototypes in JavaScript as being equivalent to static members in C#.

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