Exploring JavaScript through the Lens of Object-Oriented Concepts from Java

Question

Exploring JavaScript through the Lens of Object-Oriented Concepts from Java

Having spent a significant amount of time using Java, I delved into web development with GWT (Google Web Toolkit) where the convenience of having my Java object-oriented constructs translated to GWT seamlessly by Google was a major draw. While my knowledge of Javascript was decent, it wasn't extensive enough to tackle complex web development tasks. However, I eventually realized the importance of gaining a deeper understanding of Javascript. The learning process has been challenging, with every new breakthrough followed by moments of realization where I discover previous misunderstandings.

Seeking guidance on stackoverflow, I am in search of resources and advice on finding equivalent concepts in Javascript for various Java principles such as:

Class
instance of a class - object
Member variables
Getters
Setters
Abstract Class
Interface
Inheritance
Access Modifiers
Constructors

While I have some familiarity with these concepts, I acknowledge that there are still conceptual gaps in my understanding. Any recommendations for resources or insights from experts in Javascript regarding these concepts would be greatly appreciated.

java javascript gwt

Answer 1

Answer №1

One important thing to grasp about Javascript is that it is a fully OOP language, but unlike Java, it does not have classes! This can be a surprising fact for Java developers at first, but once you understand this difference, you'll see the power of this paradigm.

Check out this video by Douglas Crockford, one of the minds behind Javascript, which is a great resource for beginners in Javascript programming.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v2ifWcnQs6M

Answer 2

One important thing to grasp about Javascript is that it is a fully OOP language, but unlike Java, it does not have classes! This can be a surprising fact for Java developers at first, but once you understand this difference, you'll see the power of this paradigm.

Check out this video by Douglas Crockford, one of the minds behind Javascript, which is a great resource for beginners in Javascript programming.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v2ifWcnQs6M

Answer 3

Answer №2

John Doe demonstrates how to replicate these Object Oriented concepts effectively. His publication JavaScript: A Comprehensive Guide is highly recommended for anyone looking to maximize their use of JavaScript's intricate features.

Check out this quick guide by John Doe for a simple approach to implementing private class methods and properties using closures. Additionally, refer to this detailed tutorial for insights on achieving classical inheritance in JavaScript.

Answer 4

John Doe demonstrates how to replicate these Object Oriented concepts effectively. His publication JavaScript: A Comprehensive Guide is highly recommended for anyone looking to maximize their use of JavaScript's intricate features.

Check out this quick guide by John Doe for a simple approach to implementing private class methods and properties using closures. Additionally, refer to this detailed tutorial for insights on achieving classical inheritance in JavaScript.

Answer 5

Answer №3

I too have been on a similar journey, searching far and wide for knowledge on the subject.

Stackoverflow is filled with invaluable posts covering all aspects of these topics, not to mention resources like MDN. I would also suggest exploring the source code of popular libraries such as jquery. You can view jquery's source code at

Check out this AMAZING interactive tutorial by the legendary John Resig:
http://ejohn.org/apps/learn/

These Stackoverflow posts really helped me grasp JavaScript better:

How to create a custom object in JavaScript?
Understanding the 'new' keyword in JavaScript
Insight into JavaScript prototyping Importance of setting the prototype constructor
Calling base method in Javascript using functional inheritance
Understanding jQuery's jQuery.fn.init
Deciphering jQuery.fn
The special nature of 'this' resolution in JavaScript
Distinguishing between call and apply methods
Dynamic function call with apply method
Tips for data formatting in JavaScript
Checking if key exists in JavaScript object

Delve into these posts about the peculiarities of JavaScript and little-known facts:

Reflecting the arguments of a Javascript function
Exploring function arguments
Examining the !! operator in JavaScript
Understanding JavaScript/JQuery Syntax: (function( window, undefined ) { })(window)
Choosing equals operator in JavaScript comparisons (== vs ===) Behavior of delete operator in JavaScript
Clarifying var myArray =[], name;
Understanding null and undefined in JavaScript
Handling null/undefined values in JavaScript
Effect of exclamation mark before a function

Answer 6

I too have been on a similar journey, searching far and wide for knowledge on the subject.

Stackoverflow is filled with invaluable posts covering all aspects of these topics, not to mention resources like MDN. I would also suggest exploring the source code of popular libraries such as jquery. You can view jquery's source code at

Check out this AMAZING interactive tutorial by the legendary John Resig:
http://ejohn.org/apps/learn/

These Stackoverflow posts really helped me grasp JavaScript better:

How to create a custom object in JavaScript?
Understanding the 'new' keyword in JavaScript
Insight into JavaScript prototyping Importance of setting the prototype constructor
Calling base method in Javascript using functional inheritance
Understanding jQuery's jQuery.fn.init
Deciphering jQuery.fn
The special nature of 'this' resolution in JavaScript
Distinguishing between call and apply methods
Dynamic function call with apply method
Tips for data formatting in JavaScript
Checking if key exists in JavaScript object

Delve into these posts about the peculiarities of JavaScript and little-known facts:

Reflecting the arguments of a Javascript function
Exploring function arguments
Examining the !! operator in JavaScript
Understanding JavaScript/JQuery Syntax: (function( window, undefined ) { })(window)
Choosing equals operator in JavaScript comparisons (== vs ===) Behavior of delete operator in JavaScript
Clarifying var myArray =[], name;
Understanding null and undefined in JavaScript
Handling null/undefined values in JavaScript
Effect of exclamation mark before a function

Answer 7

Answer №4

When it comes to JavaScript, the rules are quite different compared to other programming languages. In JavaScript, there are no access modifiers, so you can pretty much do anything you want. This means concepts like abstract classes don't really apply because you can always instantiate them.

Object-oriented behavior is achieved through Objects and constructor-like behavior can be mimicked using prototypes.

Member variables in JavaScript are untyped and can hold both functions and data. While this provides a lot of flexibility, it also requires strict personal discipline and adherence to strong code conventions to avoid confusion.

In JavaScript, it's important to treat it as its own unique language rather than trying to compare it to others like Java. It offers a lot of flexibility, but at the same time, it lacks guardrails that could potentially lead to mistakes if not careful.

The naming conventions in JavaScript can often be confusing for those used to more structured languages.

Answer 8

When it comes to JavaScript, the rules are quite different compared to other programming languages. In JavaScript, there are no access modifiers, so you can pretty much do anything you want. This means concepts like abstract classes don't really apply because you can always instantiate them.

Object-oriented behavior is achieved through Objects and constructor-like behavior can be mimicked using prototypes.

Member variables in JavaScript are untyped and can hold both functions and data. While this provides a lot of flexibility, it also requires strict personal discipline and adherence to strong code conventions to avoid confusion.

In JavaScript, it's important to treat it as its own unique language rather than trying to compare it to others like Java. It offers a lot of flexibility, but at the same time, it lacks guardrails that could potentially lead to mistakes if not careful.

The naming conventions in JavaScript can often be confusing for those used to more structured languages.

Answer 9

Answer №5

While JavaScript is considered a pure object-oriented language, it does not have all the features typically found in class-based OOP languages such as Java or C#. Despite this, there are efforts by ECMA to introduce concepts like abstraction, classes, namespaces, inheritance, and properties into JavaScript

To learn more about these developments, you can check out Peter Michaux's explanation

Answer 10

While JavaScript is considered a pure object-oriented language, it does not have all the features typically found in class-based OOP languages such as Java or C#. Despite this, there are efforts by ECMA to introduce concepts like abstraction, classes, namespaces, inheritance, and properties into JavaScript

To learn more about these developments, you can check out Peter Michaux's explanation

Answer 11

Answer №6

When comparing JavaScript and Java, it's important to note that JavaScript is a loosely-typed, dynamic language while Java is strongly-typed and static. This direct analogy sheds light on the differences between the two.

To further understand these concepts, a quick look at the "Working with Objects" section of the JavaScript Guide on the Mozilla Developer Network will provide clarity. Topics such as classes, instances, member variables, getters, and setters are explained here.

For a deeper dive into Abstract Classes, Interfaces, Inheritance, Access Modifiers, and Constructors in JavaScript, Douglas Crockford's site here offers valuable insights. Crockford, author of "JavaScript: The Good Parts" and creator of JSLint, draws parallels between Java and JavaScript, exploring inheritance and other code reuse patterns in this page.

Answer 12

When comparing JavaScript and Java, it's important to note that JavaScript is a loosely-typed, dynamic language while Java is strongly-typed and static. This direct analogy sheds light on the differences between the two.

To further understand these concepts, a quick look at the "Working with Objects" section of the JavaScript Guide on the Mozilla Developer Network will provide clarity. Topics such as classes, instances, member variables, getters, and setters are explained here.

For a deeper dive into Abstract Classes, Interfaces, Inheritance, Access Modifiers, and Constructors in JavaScript, Douglas Crockford's site here offers valuable insights. Crockford, author of "JavaScript: The Good Parts" and creator of JSLint, draws parallels between Java and JavaScript, exploring inheritance and other code reuse patterns in this page.

Answer 13

Answer №7

If you're interested in learning more about JavaScript variable scoping, take a look at this informative article that covers the fundamentals of creating public, protected, and private variables for object prototypes. Discover more here

Answer 14

If you're interested in learning more about JavaScript variable scoping, take a look at this informative article that covers the fundamentals of creating public, protected, and private variables for object prototypes. Discover more here

Answer 15

Answer №8

My experience with delving into Javascript was quite similar to the shock you described. I found great guidance from Douglas Crockford's book "Javascript: The Good Parts" and his website here. It truly helped me navigate through this programming language.

Answer 16

My experience with delving into Javascript was quite similar to the shock you described. I found great guidance from Douglas Crockford's book "Javascript: The Good Parts" and his website here. It truly helped me navigate through this programming language.

Exploring JavaScript through the Lens of Object-Oriented Concepts from Java

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