Modern JavaScript from the Beginning - Second Edition - Prototypes and the Prototype Chain

The video tutorial explains the concept of prototypes in JavaScript, emphasizing their simplicity and the common confusion among beginners. It covers the prototype chain, showing how methods and properties are inherited. The tutorial also explores array and object prototypes, detailing their methods and constructors. Additionally, it discusses string prototypes and object methods, highlighting the importance of adding methods to prototypes for efficiency.

What is a prototype in JavaScript?

• A function that creates new objects.

• A method to convert objects to strings.

• A special object that allows methods and properties to be shared across instances.

• A variable that holds data.

How does JavaScript find a method like 'toString' when called on an object?

• It uses a built-in dictionary.

• It searches the entire codebase.

• It checks the object's prototype chain.

• It looks in the global scope first.

Which prototype does the array prototype inherit from?

• Number prototype

• Object prototype

• Function prototype

• String prototype

What is the purpose of the 'getPrototypeOf' method?

• To modify the prototype chain.

• To retrieve the prototype of an object.

• To delete an existing prototype.

• To create a new prototype.

Why might you add a method to a prototype instead of directly to an object?

• To prevent the method from being used.

• To allow the method to be shared across all instances.

• To increase the object's size.

• To make the method private.