ES6 Classes vs Function Constructors

What are the main differences between ES6 classes and function constructors in JavaScript?

ES6 classes provide a clearer syntax and are syntactical sugar over JavaScript's existing prototype-based inheritance. Function constructors, on the other hand, are the traditional way to create objects and manage inheritance.

Can you give me an example of how to define a class and a function constructor?

Sure! Here's a simple example:

// Function Constructor function Person(name) { this.name = name; }

// ES6 Class class Person { constructor(name) { this.name = name; } } Both achieve the same result, but the class syntax is more modern and easier to read.

What about inheritance? How does it work in both cases?

In function constructors, you use prototypes to set up inheritance. With ES6 classes, you can use the extends keyword for a more straightforward approach. For example:

// Function Constructor Inheritance function Employee(name, position) { Person.call(this, name); this.position = position; } Employee.prototype = Object.create(Person.prototype);

// ES6 Class Inheritance class Employee extends Person { constructor(name, position) { super(name); this.position = position; } } The class syntax makes it easier to understand and manage inheritance.

Which one should I use in my projects?

If you're working on modern JavaScript projects, it's generally recommended to use ES6 classes for their clarity and ease of use. However, understanding function constructors is still important for maintaining older codebases.