Say I have this:

var _JS = function() {
  this.Constants = {
    True: 1,
    False: 0,
    Nil: null,
    Unknown: void(0),
  };
};

var JS = new _JS();

If I change it afterwards (add methods, using _JS.prototype.etc), can I call those methods on JS?

Say I have this:

var _JS = function() {
  this.Constants = {
    True: 1,
    False: 0,
    Nil: null,
    Unknown: void(0),
  };
};

var JS = new _JS();

If I change it afterwards (add methods, using _JS.prototype.etc), can I call those methods on JS?

• javascript
• prototype-programming

• You aren't using a prototype. – SLaks Commented Jun 23, 2011 at 16:56
• No, I am changing the prototype of a function. :) This is not about the library indeed. – user142019 Commented Jun 23, 2011 at 16:56
• 1 Um, couldn't you have figure it out yourself testing it? :) – epascarello Commented Jun 23, 2011 at 17:11

4 Answers 4

Yes, a prototype change affects all instances of the item whose prototype you modified.

See example of a simple prototype modification: http://jsfiddle/JAAulde/56Wdw/1/

Yes. Modifying a prototype modifies all instances.

A simple test:

var f = function(){}
var g = new f()
f.prototype.trace = function(){alert(1)}
g.trace(); // alerts 1

If a prototype is changed, will this affect current instances?

Yes. If you change the prototype that existing object instances share, it will change for all of them.

The following code would print something:

var ajs = new _JS();
_JS.prototype.do = function () {console.log('something');}
ajs.do();