Should you use prototype when declaring a namespace in javascript

Question

I'm just wondering what the "best" way to do namespacing in javascript is. I know this has been asked a million times, but I've seen many methods including simply declaring an object as your namespace containings its relevant variables and methods. Is this the preferred way or is it better to use the the protype construct as in:

function Namespace() {

}

Namespace.prototype.newMethod = function() {

};

//...

// now to use this:
var namespace = new Namespace();
namespace.newMethod();

I'd also like to know why one method is preferred over another.

After that, how do you propose you access members of the namespace? Creating an instance of the namespace? Accessing through Namespace.prototype? — strager
– strager, Commented Nov 9, 2010 at 21:31
Do you really want users creating instances of your entire namespace? Namespaces are usually global/singleton. — strager
– strager, Commented Nov 9, 2010 at 21:33
strager - i'm not sure..thats kind of the core of my confusion. I.e. when to use namespaces (in the static sense) vs. when to create objects (via prototype chaining). — bba
– bba, Commented Nov 9, 2010 at 21:36

cdhowie · Accepted Answer · 2010-11-09 21:33:57Z

1

You usually only use the prototype method when you will be creating instances of the Namespace "class". If the methods are intended to be static (as defined by other OO languages) then simply creating an object and sticking functions on it is the way to go.

In other words, with your code you will be unable to call Namespace.newMethod(). But you could do (new Namespace()).newMethod(). Each approach is for solving a different problem.

answered Nov 9, 2010 at 21:33

cdhowie

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3 Comments

bba Over a year ago

This is what I was getting at. Would you mind elaborating on which is good for what type of problem? Thanks

bba Over a year ago

I'm having a tough time thinking outside the world of a typical statically typed OO language like Java. I need "namespaces" which have traditional class-like functionality (so I guess prototype chaining would be best here); but I also would occasionally need static methods (just as in an Java for instance).

cdhowie Over a year ago

You can easily combine the two. If you have a function you are using as a class, use .prototype.methodName to declare instance methods, and .methodName to declare static methods.

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