Why Is Extending Native Objects in JavaScript Considered a Risky Practice?

Extending Native Objects: Why It's a Risky Practice

Extending native objects in JavaScript is often frowned upon, but understanding the reasons behind this recommendation is crucial.

Firstly, extending native objects alters their behavior, which can introduce conflicts when they are used in multiple codebases. This is especially concerning with core objects like Object and Array, which are ubiquitous in JavaScript code.

Additionally, adding methods to existing classes without subclassing poses a high risk of breaking existing code. JavaScript's reliance on object prototype chains means that modifications to native objects can have unintended consequences.

For example, adding a "remove" method to Array could conflict with third-party libraries or even native JavaScript functions that use arrays. This can lead to subtle and difficult-to-track errors.

It's far better to create separate custom classes or utilities if you require specific functionality. This approach ensures isolation and prevents unexpected behavior in your own code and any third-party dependencies.

While object extension can be a useful technique in exceptional circumstances, it should be used with extreme caution and only when there is no practical alternative.

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