Question
Answer and Explanation
In JavaScript, functions themselves are objects. When you create a function, it's not directly allocated on the heap. Instead, the function's code, along with its associated scope, is stored in memory. When you instantiate an object using a constructor function, or class, using the new
keyword, that's when an object is created on the heap. Let's break down how to accomplish this:
1. Define a Constructor Function (or Class):
- A constructor function (or class) serves as a blueprint for creating objects. It initializes the properties and methods of the new object. Here's an example:
function MyConstructor(name, age) {
this.name = name;
this.age = age;
this.greet = function() {
console.log("Hello, my name is " + this.name + " and I am " + this.age + " years old.");
}
}
Or, using a class:
class MyClass {
constructor(name, age) {
this.name = name;
this.age = age;
}
greet() {
console.log("Hello, my name is " + this.name + " and I am " + this.age + " years old.");
}
}
2. Instantiate the Object using new
:
- When you use the new
keyword with the constructor (or class), a new object is created on the heap, and the constructor function’s or class constructor is called, initializing that newly created object.
const obj1 = new MyConstructor("John Doe", 30);
const obj2 = new MyClass("Jane Doe", 25);
- In this example, obj1
and obj2
are now objects that exist on the heap. These objects have the properties and methods defined by the constructor or class.
3. Verify Object Creation:
console.log(obj1);
obj1.greet();
console.log(obj2);
obj2.greet();
- You will see the object logged to the console, and you can call the greet method on each. This proves that a new object has been created and allocated on the heap for each instance.
- The key point here is that the memory allocation for the new objects (obj1
and obj2
) happens on the heap. The function/class itself is defined in memory, and these instances are created based on that definition on the heap using the new keyword.
Key Takeaways:
- Functions are themselves objects but they exist in memory.
- The use of the new
keyword with a constructor function or a class creates new objects that are allocated on the heap.
- Each call with the new keyword creates a distinct instance with its allocated memory, allowing objects to have their state.