What are WeakMaps in JavaScript?

Can you explain what WeakMaps are in JavaScript?

Sure! WeakMaps are a collection of key-value pairs where keys are objects and values can be any value. They are similar to Maps but have some unique features.

What makes WeakMaps different from regular Maps?

The main difference is that WeakMaps do not prevent their keys from being garbage collected. If there are no other references to a key object, it can be removed from memory.

When would I use a WeakMap instead of a Map?

You would use a WeakMap when you want to associate data with an object without preventing that object from being garbage collected, which is useful for memory management.

Can you give me an example of using a WeakMap?

Certainly! Here's a simple example: you can use a WeakMap to store private data for objects. Each object can be a key, and the associated value can be the private data.