π§© JavaScript Prototypes & Inheritance β How JS Really Shares Behavior


π What Are Prototypes?
In JavaScript, everything is an object (well, almost π), and all objects have a hidden internal link to another object called a prototype.
This is how inheritance works in JS β not through classes (like in Java), but through a prototype chain.
π¦ Example:
π§ The Prototype Chain
Here's how lookup works:
π¨ Constructor Functions & Prototypes
speak()
is not defined on dog, but on its prototype.All instances share one prototype β memory efficient
π Modern Class Syntax (Behind the Scenes = Prototypes)
β οΈ Important Notes
You can add methods to prototypes even after creating objects.
Avoid modifying
Object.prototype
β it affects all objects and may cause bugs.Arrays, Functions, etc. also have their own prototypes.
π Summary Table
β Conclusion
Understanding prototypes is key to becoming a serious JavaScript developer. It gives you control over inheritance, memory optimization, and how objects truly behave in JS.
While modern class
syntax may seem easier, mastering the prototype model helps you debug, optimize, and extend your code like a pro.
βοΈ Written By
Chaitanya Chopde
π« chaitanyachopde14@gmail.com
π Inspired By
JavaScript.info β Prototypal Inheritance
DevSyncβs Advanced JavaScript Bootcamp
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Written by

Chaitanya Chopde
Chaitanya Chopde
Hey, I'm Chaitanya Chopde π» Web Development Learner | Frontend Focused π οΈ Learning HTML, CSS, JavaScript & Figma βοΈ Writing to share my dev journey, tips & projects π·οΈ #DevsyncLearning | Building one line of code at a time