What does this refer to in a JavaScript function?

Question

function Box(width, height)
{
  this.width = width;
  this.height = height;
}

var myBox = new Box(5,5);

What is the new keyword doing here technically? Is it creating a new function? Or is it creating a new object and applying the function to it?
If so then this is a way to create a "Box", does this mean the this keyword is actually referring to the object myBox?

basic principles of object oriented programming. better find a good starters guide to oop — Sharky
– Sharky, Commented May 28, 2013 at 16:24
@Sharky meh... This is JavaScript, "normal" OOP doesn't apply here imo. Valid question methinks. — Lews Therin
– Lews Therin, Commented May 28, 2013 at 16:25
I don't think this question is worthy of an open/close war. This is basic information that has been explained many times on SO. — user1106925
– user1106925, Commented May 28, 2013 at 16:32

Community · Accepted Answer · 2017-05-23 12:01:47Z

11

It's creating a new object, using Box as its constructor. The value of this in this case (when the function is called with the new keyword) is the new instance being constructed. This new object will inherit from whatever is defined as Box.prototype (the default being Object.prototype).

I said in this case, because in JavaScript the value of this is determined by how the function is called. I recommend reading the MDN page on this for more information.

Note: if this question is supposed to be closed, it should have been as a duplicate. Here are some possible duplicate links that might also help you:

edited May 23, 2017 at 12:01

CommunityBot

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answered May 28, 2013 at 16:24

bfavaretto

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