JavaScript Classes

JavaScript classes might seem daunting but fear not! Let’s break down the concept using an analogy — think of a class as a cookie cutter. In this discussion, we’ll use a class called Cookie to illustrate the key concepts.

The Cookie Cutter (Class) Creation:

class Cookie {
    constructor(color) {
        this.color = color;
    }
}

• A class, like a cookie cutter, helps create instances of objects. Always capitalize the class name.
• The constructor is like the mold; it shapes new instances of the class. It takes parameters, in this case, a color, and assigns it to the instance.

Baking Cookies (Creating Instances):

let cookieOne = new Cookie('green');
let cookieTwo = new Cookie('blue');

• Using new keyword creates specific instances (cookies) based on the class (cookie cutter).
• Each instance can have its unique properties.

Decorating Cookies (Getters and Setters):

class Cookie {
    constructor(color) {
        this.color = color;
    }

    getColor() {
        return this.color;
    }

    setColor(color) {
        this.color = color;
    }
}

• getColor and setColor are getters and setters, respectively.
• They allow us to retrieve and modify the color property of a cookie.

Playing with Cookies (Using Instances):

let cookieOne = new Cookie('green');
let cookieTwo = new Cookie('blue');

console.log(cookieOne.getColor());  // Outputs: 'green'
console.log(cookieTwo.getColor());  // Outputs: 'blue'

cookieOne.setColor('yellow');
console.log(cookieOne.getColor());  // Outputs: 'yellow'

Using methods like getColor and setColor allows interaction with instances.

Applying the Concept — Linked List Class:

class LinkedList {
    constructor(value) {
        // Constructor logic here...
    }

    push(value) {
        // Push logic here...
    }

    unshift(value) {
        // Unshift logic here...
    }

    insert(index, value) {
        // Insert logic here...
    }

    remove(index) {
        // Remove logic here...
    }

    pop() {
        // Pop logic here...
    }

    shift() {
        // Shift logic here...
    }
}

let myLinkedList = new LinkedList(23);
myLinkedList.push(7);
myLinkedList.unshift(3);
myLinkedList.insert(1, 11);
myLinkedList.remove(1);
myLinkedList.pop();
myLinkedList.shift();

Using the analogy, a linked list is like a customized set of cookies with specific methods (like push, pop, etc.).

Understanding classes is like having a powerful set of cookie cutters; you can create and customize instances tailored to your needs.

Happy Coding

Bhagya Wijenayake