Prototypes
Prototypes are a fundamental concept in object-oriented programming where objects inherit properties and methods from other objects, serving as a mechanism for code reuse and dynamic inheritance. In languages like JavaScript, every object has a prototype property that links to another object, forming a prototype chain that enables property and method lookup. This model allows for efficient memory usage and flexible object creation without classes in prototype-based languages.
Developers should learn prototypes to master JavaScript and other prototype-based languages, as it's essential for understanding inheritance, object creation, and debugging. It's crucial for building scalable applications, implementing inheritance patterns, and working with frameworks like React or Node.js that rely on JavaScript's prototype system. Use cases include creating reusable object templates, extending built-in objects, and optimizing performance in dynamic web applications.