What is the purpose of the `new` keyword in the context of `new User()`?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking about the purpose of the new
keyword in JavaScript, specifically in the context of creating a new instance of an object using a constructor function like User()
.
Answer
The `new` keyword creates an instance of an object type and sets up the prototype chain.
The new
keyword in the context of new User()
is used to create an instance of a user-defined object type. It allocates memory for the new object and sets up the prototype chain so that the new object has access to the methods defined in the constructor's prototype.
Answer for screen readers
The new
keyword in the context of new User()
is used to create an instance of a user-defined object type. It allocates memory for the new object and sets up the prototype chain so that the new object has access to the methods defined in the constructor's prototype.
More Information
In JavaScript and similar languages, creating an object with new
gives the new object access to the prototype's methods and properties, enabling object-oriented programming features such as inheritance.
Tips
A common mistake is forgetting to use new
with a constructor function, which can result in the function not behaving as expected since this
would refer to the global object instead of a new instance.
Sources
- new - JavaScript - MDN Web Docs - Mozilla - developer.mozilla.org
- What is the purpose of the `new` keyword? - GreatFrontEnd - greatfrontend.com
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