GF3

Javascript Experiments – Executable Instances

This is a proof-of-concept for executable child instances in Javascript. This’ll only work in VMs that support the non-standard __proto__ (so not IE). I’ve tested it in node.

Implementation

Here’s the implementation:

/* ------------------------------ Main Class ------------------------------ */
// Returns "instances" of itself which are actually functions.
function User ( username ) { var Parent, scope
  function Scope () {
    // Here is where you put your normal constructor junk
    this.username = username
    this.colours = [ 'yellow', 0xFF ]
  }

  // Magic
  function Proxy() {
    Scope.prototype.init.apply( scope, arguments )
  }
  Parent = arguments.callee
  function Dummy() {}
  Dummy.prototype = Parent.prototype
  Scope.prototype = new Dummy()
  scope = new Scope()
  Proxy.__proto__ = scope
  
  // Go time!
  return Proxy
}

User.prototype.init = function( username ) {
  this.username = username
  console.log( 'My name is now: ' + this.username + '.' )
}

User.prototype.lol = function() {
  console.log( '"' + this.username + '" is a silly name!' )
}

Explanation

It might seem a little tricky at first glance, but it’s pretty straight forward. Scope is the context of the instances. Parent is a reference to the “current” class (in this case it’s User). Dummy is simply used for prototype chaining (Scope is chained to Parent). Proxy is where the real magic happens. Proxy is a normal function which, when executed, calls the Parent.prototype.init function in the correct context. As well it’s __proto__ is set to that of the current instance. This is the crucial part as it allows Proxy to still act like a function and a plain object at the same time.

Demo

/* ------------------------------ Demo ------------------------------ */
var b = User( 'Ben' )

console.log( b.username ) // Ben
console.log( b.colours )  // [ 'yellow', 255 ]

b.lol()                   // "Ben" is a silly name!
b( 'Benne' )              // My name is now: Benne.
b.lol()                   // "Benne" is a silly name!

Caveats

• Requires non-standard __proto__
• Cannot be used with new keyword
• Not very useful?