JavaScript Array prototype

Example

Create a method that transforms array values into upper case:

Array.prototype.myUcase = function() {
  for (let i = 0; i < this.length; i++) {
    this[i] = this[i].toUpperCase();
  }
};

Use the method on any array:

var fruits = ["Banana", "Orange", "Apple", "Mango"];
fruits.myUcase();
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Description

prototype allows you to add new properties and methods to arrays.

prototype is a property available with all JavaScript objects.


Syntax

Array.prototype.name = value

Warning

You are not advised to change the prototype of an object that you do not control.

You should not change the prototype of built in JavaScript datatypes like:

  • Numbers
  • Strings
  • Arrays
  • Dates
  • Booleans
  • Function
  • Objects

Only change the prototype of your own objects.

The prototype Property

The JavaScript prototype property allows you to add new properties to objects:

Example

function Person(first, last, age, eyecolor) {
  this.firstName = first;
  this.lastName = last;
  this.eyeColor = eyecolor;
}

Person.prototype.nationality = "English";
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Browser Support

prototype is an ECMAScript1 (ES1) feature.

ES1 (JavaScript 1997) is fully supported in all browsers:

Chrome Edge Firefox Safari Opera IE
Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes


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