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In this comprehensive guide, we will demystify a fascinating aspect of JavaScript, one of the most widely-used programming languages today. The key question we will grapple with is: "Is JavaScript a compiled or interpreted language?" We'll probe into the complex depths of JavaScript code execution and the functioning of modern JavaScript engines. This understanding will equip you to grasp the finer dynamics of JavaScript, empowering you to evolve into a more proficient JavaScript developer. JavaScript is frequently labeled as an 'interpreted' language, a tag attributed to its execution style. However, this description isn't wholly accurate. While it doesn't generate an executable file like conventional compiled languages, JavaScript does undergo a compilation phase. This guide aims to shed light on this intriguing facet of JavaScript, thereby dispelling any prevailing misconceptions. Conventionally, 'compiled' languages such as C++ convert the source code into a binary executable file. This file can then be disseminated and executed. 'Interpreted' languages, on the contrary, don't yield an executable file. They rely on interpreters to read and execute the code in real-time. In the case of JavaScript, the engines don't produce an executable file, thus reinforcing the perception of it being an interpreted language. Nevertheless, JavaScript code is compiled into an intermediate form known as 'byte code'. This byte code is subsequently executed by the virtual machine. Although the virtual machine interprets byte code, modern JavaScript engines deploy a "Just-in-time (JIT) compiler" to transmute the byte code into native machine code. This machine code executes at a faster pace than byte code, thereby boosting performance. The JIT compilation is a methodology extensively leveraged by present-day JavaScript engines to augment the execution speed of JavaScript code. Post the conversion of JavaScript code into byte code, the engine executes it. The engine also implements several optimizations based on the data accumulated during code execution to enhance performance. One such optimization strategy involves the compilation of byte code into machine code, which executes quicker. The engine earmarks the frequently executed or "hot" sections of the code for this process. These "hot" segments are compiled into native machine code, which is then executed in lieu of the corresponding byte code. The JIT compiler significantly diverges from traditional compilers employed by languages such as C++. Unlike conventional compilers that compile the code in advance, the JIT compiler compiles the code at runtime, during the code execution process. Despite the distribution of JavaScript code in source code format instead of executable format, it is compiled into byte code and potentially into native machine code. Based on the above elaboration, it can be conclusively stated that JavaScript is a fusion of both compiled and interpreted language. It amalgamates the advantages of both paradigms, employing a hybrid approach for efficient execution. The non-existence of an executable output file coupled with the presence of a JIT compiler that compiles code at runtime endows JavaScript with a distinctive identity. Grasping these nuances of JavaScript can offer invaluable insights into the mechanics of code execution and can steer developers towards crafting more effective and high-performing JavaScript code. Therefore, the next time you are quizzed about whether JavaScript is compiled or interpreted, you'll be well-equipped with a sound response! To dive deeper into JavaScript and explore concepts like this, the book Advanced JavaScript Unleashed by Yousaf, an experienced full-stack software engineer, is highly recommended. With a deep understanding of JavaScript and valuable insights shared in this book, any JavaScript developer aspiring to achieve greater heights will find it beneficial.

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This article embarks on a journey into the captivating world of JavaScript custom iterable objects. It's an important topic when there is a need to iterate over related objects or define specific iteration behaviors for certain objects. Iterables and iterators are frequently used in JavaScript coding. An iterable is an object that determines its iteration behavior, like the values looped over in a for...of construct, while an iterator is an object that maintains its current position in an iterable. Understanding these two principles, we can create custom iterable objects in JavaScript by implementing the Symbol.iterator method, which returns the iterator object that includes the next method. Let's dive deeper into this concept with a practical example. Imagine a scenario where student objects must be made iterable to streamline the printing of their properties using the for...of loop. The process commences with the creation of a Student constructor, which will be utilized to generate student objects: To render all student objects iterable, the Symbol.iterator method is implemented in the Student.prototype object: Now, when iterating over any student instance, the formatted values defined in the student iterator's next method will be obtained: The brilliance of creating custom iterables in JavaScript lies in the flexibility it offers. The iteration behavior can be fashioned according to any logic, and the returned value in the iterator result object can be formatted in any preferred manner. However, it's noteworthy that the studentIterator object in our example does not inherit from the Iterator.prototype object, so it isn't iterable: This can be addressed by either explicitly establishing the prototype chain link between the Iterator.prototype object and our studentIterator object, or by implementing the Symbol.iterator method in the studentIterator object to make it iterable: Now, the studentIterator object is iterable and can be used with the for...of loop if needed. Currently, the Symbol.iterator method is defined in the Student.prototype object, but it is enumerable, which isn't ideal. It can be made non-enumerable by defining it using the Object.defineProperty method: This article dove into the creation of custom iterable objects in JavaScript. The process of outlining the iteration behavior for any suitable object or a group of related objects was discussed. We also improved the implementation by making the Symbol.iterator method non-enumerable. This understanding is critical when managing collections of related objects, leading to a more flexible and adaptable JavaScript codebase. To dive deeper into JavaScript and explore concepts like this, the book Advanced JavaScript Unleashed by Yousaf, an experienced full-stack software engineer, is highly recommended. With a deep understanding of JavaScript and valuable insights shared in this book, any JavaScript developer aspiring to achieve greater heights will find it beneficial.

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In this comprehensive guide, we will traverse through the complexities of memory management in JavaScript. There are numerous myths regarding memory allocation in JavaScript; a prevalent one being primitive values are stored on the stack , while objects are housed on the heap . However, the reality is far more nuanced. We will debunk these misconceptions about memory allocation, explore the role of the JavaScript engine, and shed light on the concept of automatic garbage collection . Memory allocation in JavaScript extends beyond the simplistic dichotomy of stack and heap storage. The ECMAScript specification , which forms the framework for scripting languages including JavaScript, does not dictate specific rules for memory allocation or deallocation. Consequently, decision-making about memory management is left to the individual JavaScript engines. Distinct JavaScript engines may implement diverse strategies for memory management. For instance, in the V8 engine , utilized by Chrome and Node.js, virtually all values, including objects, arrays, numbers, and strings, are stored on the heap. This method doesn't imply that all JavaScript engines allocate everything on the heap. Some might optimize memory usage by storing temporary values on the stack, particularly if these values are not required beyond a function call. The crucial takeaway is that there's no universal rule concerning memory allocation in JavaScript. Simplistic assumptions like " primitives go on the stack and objects go on the heap " fail to capture the complexities inherent in JavaScript engines. In contrast to languages like C that necessitate programmers to manually deallocate memory when it's no longer needed, JavaScript streamlines this process through automatic garbage collection . JavaScript engines are equipped with a garbage collector that identifies and marks redundant memory blocks for garbage collection. Contemporary JavaScript engines utilize the Mark-and-sweep algorithm to identify 'unreachable' memory blocks, i.e., blocks that no longer have any active references in the application. Unlike Java, where programmers can manually initiate garbage collection, JavaScript doesn't offer this level of control. While some may perceive this as a limitation, it's predominantly viewed as an advantage as it mitigates common memory leaks that occur in languages devoid of automatic garbage collection. In summary, memory management in JavaScript is not as simplistic as it's often perceived. It encompasses intricate decisions made by the JavaScript engine and automatic garbage collection. The stereotype that " primitives go on the stack and objects go on the heap " is just a myth. On the contrary, memory allocation is a sophisticated process differing across various JavaScript engines. Understanding these nuances can enable programmers to appreciate the flexibility and sophistication inherent in JavaScript as a programming language. To dive deeper into JavaScript and explore concepts like this, the book Advanced JavaScript Unleashed by Yousaf, an experienced full-stack software engineer, is highly recommended. With a deep understanding of JavaScript and valuable insights shared in this book, any JavaScript developer aspiring to achieve greater heights will find it beneficial.