function Animal(type) {
if (type == "cat") {
this.__proto__ = Cat.prototype;
} else if (type == "dog") {
this.__proto__ = Dog.prototype;
} else if (type == "fish") {
this.__proto__ = Fish.prototype;
}
}
Animal.prototype.say = function() {
alert("This animal can't speak!");
}
function Cat() {
// init cat
}
Cat.prototype = new Animal();
Cat.prototype.say = function() {
alert("Meow!");
}
function Dog() {
// init dog
}
Dog.prototype = new Animal();
Dog.prototype.say = function() {
alert("Bark!");
}
function Fish() {
// init fish
}
Fish.prototype = new Animal();
var newAnimal = new Animal("dog");
newAnimal.say();
This isn't guaranteed to work as __proto__
isn't a standard variable, but it works at least in Firefox and Safari.
If you don't understand how it works, read about the prototype chain.