CODEWITHSUNDEEP
javascript
jonnie
jonnie

Reputation: 12690

Using getter and setters vs defining properties in javascript

Other than coding style is there any advantages/disadvantages to either:

Circle.prototype = { radius : 10};
Object.defineProperty(Circle.prototype, 'circumference', {
     get: function() { return 2*Math.PI*this.radius; }
});

vs

Circle.prototype = {
  radius : 10,
  get circumference() { return 2*Math.PI*this.radius; }
}

Upvotes: 3

Views: 97

Answers (1)

Nick Louloudakis
Nick Louloudakis

Reputation: 6005

In property definition, JavaScript handles it via the internal method DefineOwnProperty, where assignment is handled by the internal method Put. In short, the second one checks whether or not a property is read-only and if yes, leads to rejection. This can have consequences when using read-only properties, which prevent assignment, but not definition.

If you want to create a new property it is better use definition. If you want to change the value of a property, you can use assignment.

Take a look here for more, very interesting article.

EDIT: In fact, defineProperty is used for reasons such as defining read only properties and other reasons about the behavior of the property defined. Take a look here for more too.

Upvotes: 2

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