This module exports an object called Class that simplifies defining objects.
The name “class” is admittedly a misnomer, but the name “Object” is already taken, and the name “Prototype” would probably add confusion given its use in JavaScript. We try use the following terms consistently:
A “class” is an object that is defined for the purpose of having its properties inherited by instances or subclasses.
A “subclass” is a class that derives from another class. It is created using the subclass method of its parent class, and inherits properties from its parent (and its parent, and so on).
An “instance” is an object that is not used as a parent for other objects. It is created using the create method of its parent class, and inherits properties from its parent (and its parent, and so on).
Class.subclass(...)
Create a new object that inherits from this.
If a subclassInitialize method is defined, it will be called with all the arguments that were passed to subclass.
Class.create(...)
Create a new object that inherits from this.
If an initialize method is defined, it will be called with all the arguments that were passed to create.
Class.initialize(...)
Initialize instance this.
Class.subclassInitialize(...)
Initialize subclass this.
var Child = Parent.subclass();
Child.initialize = function () { /* construct */ };
Child.funca = function () { /* do something */ };
var obj = Child.create();
Here the inheritance chain is:
For comparison, here is how we would implement this inheritance chain with JavaScript's “stock” constructor-based approach:
function Child(uri) { /* construct */ };
// note: avoid `new Parent` because it will create instance members
Child.prototype = Object.create(Parent.prototype);
Child.prototype.funca = function () { /* do something */ };
var obj = new Child();
Here the inheritance chain is: