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Compare usage of Module Pattern vs Constructor/Prototype pattern ?

Last Updated : 23 Jan, 2023
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The Module pattern and the Constructor/Prototype pattern are two popular design patterns in JavaScript that can be used to create objects. Both patterns have their own pros and cons and are suitable for different scenarios. Here’s a comparison of the two patterns:

Module pattern:

The Module pattern is a design pattern used to create objects that have private variables and methods, which cannot be accessed from outside the object. It is a way of wrapping a mix of public and private methods and variables, protecting pieces from leaking into the global scope and accidentally colliding with another developer’s interface.

To implement the Module pattern, you can use either the revealing module pattern or the self-executing anonymous function pattern. In the revealing module pattern, you define an anonymous function and then return an object literal with pointers to the private functions and properties. In the self-executing anonymous function pattern, you wrap the entire module in an anonymous function and then execute it immediately.

The Module pattern has the following advantages:

  • It provides a way to encapsulate private variables and functions, which cannot be accessed from outside the object.
  • It helps to maintain a clean global namespace and reduces the chances of naming collisions.
  • It is easy to implement and provides a clear separation of concerns.

However, the Module pattern also has some drawbacks:

  • It can be difficult to unit-test private functions and variables.
  • It does not support inheritance, which means that you cannot create a new object that inherits from the original object.

Advantages:

  • Provides a way to encapsulate private variables and functions, which cannot be accessed from outside the object.
  • Help to maintain a clean global namespace and reduce the chances of naming collisions.
  • Easy to implement and provides a clear separation of concerns.

Disadvantages:

  • Can be difficult to unit-test private functions and variables.
  • Does not support inheritance, which means that you cannot create a new object that inherits from the original object.

Constructor/Prototype Pattern:

The Constructor/Prototype pattern is another design pattern used to create objects in JavaScript. It is based on the idea of prototypal inheritance, which means that an object can inherit properties and methods from another object.

To implement the Constructor/Prototype pattern, you define a constructor function that creates an object and sets its properties. You can then use the prototype property of the constructor function to add methods and properties to the object’s prototype. This allows you to create multiple objects that inherit from the same prototype.

The Constructor/Prototype pattern has the following advantages:

  • It supports inheritance, which means that you can create a new object that inherits from the original object.
    It is easy to implement and provides a clear separation of concerns.

However, the Constructor/Prototype pattern also has some drawbacks:

  • It does not provide a way to encapsulate private variables and functions, which can be accessed from outside the object.
  • It can lead to naming collisions if you are not careful, as all objects created with the same constructor function share the same prototype.

Here is a summary of the pros and cons of the Module pattern and the Constructor/Prototype pattern:

Advantages:

  • Supports inheritance, which means that you can create a new object that inherits from the original object.
  • Easy to implement and provides a clear separation of concerns.

Disadvantages:

  • Does not provide a way to encapsulate private variables and functions, which can be accessed from outside the object.
  • This can lead to naming collisions if you are not careful, as all objects created with the same constructor function share the same prototype.

Difference between Module Pattern and Constructor/Prototype pattern:

Sr.No

Module Pattern

Constructor/Prototype Pattern

1 Encapsulation of variables and functions through closure Encapsulation of variables and functions through constructor and prototype
2 Variables and functions are private by default Variables are private, functions are public by default
3 The object is returned from a function The object is created by a new keyword
4 Only one instance of the object is created Multiple instances of the object can be created
5 Best suited for singleton objects  Best suited for creating multiple instances of the same object
6 Provide a way to namespace the functionality Provide a way to create similar objects with similar functionality
7 Use of this keyword is not necessary Use of this keyword is necessary
8 Namespacing of methods and properties is easy Namespacing of methods and properties is complex
9 Variables and functions are not directly accessible Variables and functions are directly accessible

Conclusion: In conclusion, the Module pattern and the Constructor/Prototype pattern are two popular design patterns in JavaScript that can be used to create objects. Both patterns have their own pros and cons and are suitable for different scenarios.

The Module pattern is a design pattern used to create objects that have private variables and methods, which cannot be accessed from outside the object. It is a way of wrapping a mix of public and private methods and variables, protecting pieces from leaking into the global scope and accidentally colliding with another developer’s interface. The Module pattern is suitable for creating objects with private variables and methods, and it helps to maintain a clean global namespace and reduce the chances of naming collisions. However, the Module pattern does not support inheritance and can be difficult to unit test private functions and variables.

The Constructor/Prototype pattern is another design pattern used to create objects in JavaScript. It is based on the idea of prototypal inheritance, which means that an object can inherit properties and methods from another object. The Constructor/Prototype pattern is suitable for creating objects that support inheritance and is easy to implement. However, the Constructor/Prototype pattern does not provide a way to encapsulate private variables and functions, which can be accessed from outside the object, and it can lead to naming collisions if you are not careful.

In summary, the choice between the Module pattern and the Constructor/Prototype pattern depends on the specific requirements of your project. If you need to create objects with private variables and methods, the Module pattern may be the better choice. If you need to create objects that support inheritance, the Constructor/Prototype pattern may be the better choice. It is important to carefully consider the pros and cons of each pattern and choose the one that is most suitable for your project.


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