Why Object.create is more than just Object creation?

Why Object.create is more than just Object creation?

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3 min read

In JavaScript, the Object.create() method is different from the other object creation methods because it allows prototype-based inheritance explicitly and provides fine control over the created object's prototype and properties. Here's how it stands out:

1. Prototype Chain Control

  • Unlike other object creation methods (e.g., constructor functions, class instantiation, object literals, etc.), Object.create() lets you directly specify the prototype of the new object.

  • This means you can create an object with a specified prototype, enabling inheritance from an existing object without defining a constructor.

Example:

const parent = {
  greet() {
    return "Hello!";
  }
};

const child = Object.create(parent);
console.log(child.greet()); // Output: "Hello!"
console.log(Object.getPrototypeOf(child) === parent); // Output: true

In contrast, other methods like object literals ({}) or constructors do not allow direct prototype specification.


2. Property Descriptors

  • Object.create() allows the optional definition of property descriptors (e.g., writable, enumerable, configurable).

  • This is useful when you need precise control over the properties' behavior.

Example:

const obj = Object.create({}, {
  name: {
    value: "Arsalan",
    writable: false, // Cannot be changed
    enumerable: true // Will show in loops
  }
});

console.log(obj.name); // Output: "Arsalan"
obj.name = "Adeeb"; // No effect, writable: false
console.log(obj.name); // Still "Arsalan"

3. No Constructor Execution

  • Unlike new Object(), constructor functions, or class instantiation, Object.create() does not invoke a constructor function.

  • Instead, it creates an object with the given prototype directly.

Example:

function Person(name) {
  this.name = name;
}
const p1 = new Person("Arsalan"); // Constructor is called
console.log(p1.name); // Output: "Arsalan"

const p2 = Object.create(Person.prototype);
console.log(p2.name); // Output: undefined (constructor not called)

4. Better for Prototypal Inheritance (without Classes)

  • It provides a way to achieve prototypal inheritance without using class syntax, making it useful in functional or prototype-based programming styles.

Example of inheritance:

const animal = {
  makeSound() {
    return "Some sound";
  }
};

const dog = Object.create(animal);
dog.bark = function() {
  return "Woof!";
};

console.log(dog.makeSound()); // "Some sound" (inherited)
console.log(dog.bark()); // "Woof!"

5. Use in Object Composition

  • Object.create(null) can be used to create objects without inheriting from Object.prototype, resulting in a "pure dictionary" object with no prototype chain pollution.

Example:

const obj = Object.create(null);
obj.name = "Arsalan";
console.log(obj.toString); // undefined, because there's no prototype

Summary: How Object.create() is Different

FeatureObject.create()Other Methods (Literals, new, Classes)
Prototype ControlDirectly specifies prototypeImplicitly inherits from Object.prototype
Constructor InvocationNoYes (in case of new, class instantiation)
Property DescriptorsYesNo (without explicit defineProperty)
Prototypal InheritanceDirectIndirect via constructors or classes
PerformanceSlightly fasterMay involve constructor overhead

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