In JavaScript Prototype inheritance, what is the goal of adding prototype.constructor property. Let me explain with an example.

var Super = function() {
    this.superProperty = 'Super Property'
}
var Sub = function() {
    this.subProperty = 'Sub Property'
}

Sub.prototype = new Super();
Sub.prototype.constructor = Sub; // advantages of the statement

var inst = new Sub();

The following lines return always true in all case, when adding Sub.prototype.constructor = Sub or not.

console.log(inst instanceof Sub)   // true
console.log(inst instanceof Super) // true

I guess, it may be useful when getting new instances but when and/or how?

Thanks in advance.

In JavaScript Prototype inheritance, what is the goal of adding prototype.constructor property. Let me explain with an example.

var Super = function() {
    this.superProperty = 'Super Property'
}
var Sub = function() {
    this.subProperty = 'Sub Property'
}

Sub.prototype = new Super();
Sub.prototype.constructor = Sub; // advantages of the statement

var inst = new Sub();

The following lines return always true in all case, when adding Sub.prototype.constructor = Sub or not.

console.log(inst instanceof Sub)   // true
console.log(inst instanceof Super) // true

I guess, it may be useful when getting new instances but when and/or how?

Thanks in advance.

• javascript
• inheritance
• prototype
• constructor

• See also Why is it necessary to set the prototype constructor? – Bergi Commented Jun 16, 2022 at 23:50

1 Answer 1

It's just to properly reset the constructor property to accurately reflect the function used to construct the object.

Sub.prototype = new Super();

console.log(new Sub().constructor == Sub);
// -> 'false' 

Sub.prototype.constructor = Sub;
console.log(new Sub().constructor == Sub);
// -> 'true'