Classes
We will learn how to define and use classes in JavaScript.
We'll cover the following
Classes in JavaScript
Classes are a concept most will know from object-oriented languages, such as Java. However, ES2015 adds Java-like classes to JavaScript. In the past, object orientation could only be mimicked using the prototype
property of a function and defining its methods and properties. Compared to many other object-oriented languages, though, it seemed overly complicated and wordy in JavaScript.
Since ES2015, classes can be defined by using the keyword class
. While React uses principles of functional programming, it also relies heavily on ES2015 classes to instantiate React Class components.
Note: Before ES2015, it was possible to define React components using
createClass()
, but this technique has since been deprecated and should no longer be used.
Components of a class
A class consists of a name, an optional constructor that gets called at the creation of a class instance, and an unlimited number of class methods.
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