What is the prototype in JavaScript?

Can you explain what the prototype is in JavaScript?

Sure! In JavaScript, the prototype is an object that is associated with every function and object by default. It allows for inheritance and sharing of properties and methods.

How does prototype inheritance work?

Prototype inheritance allows an object to access properties and methods of another object. When you try to access a property, JavaScript first checks the object itself, and if it doesn't find it, it looks up the prototype chain.

Can you give me an example of using prototypes?

Absolutely! For instance, if you have a constructor function Person, you can add a method to its prototype like this: Person.prototype.sayHello = function() { return 'Hello!'; }. Now all instances of Person can use sayHello.

What are the benefits of using prototypes?

Using prototypes helps save memory since methods are shared among instances rather than being recreated for each instance. It also promotes code reuse.