Creating a new object in JavaScript using const obj = new Object()

Discover how to create a JavaScript object with the new Object() constructor and a const declaration. This friendly guide explains why const fixes the reference while the object's properties stay mutable, and it includes a simple example to keep code clear and predictable.

JavaScript basics often show up as those little building blocks that make the rest of your code possible. One of the simplest—and most fundamental—patterns is creating a new object. If you’re flipping through Revature assessment materials or just brushing up for real-world coding, here’s the clean, straightforward way to do it, plus a bit of context to keep it memorable.

The quick answer, in plain terms

Question you might encounter: What is the syntax for creating a new object in JavaScript?

  • A. obj = new Object()

  • B. const obj = new Object();

  • C. let obj = Object.new();

  • D. new Object obj();

Correct answer: B — const obj = new Object();

Let me explain what’s going on here, piece by piece.

Breaking down the syntax

  • The new keyword: This is how you call a constructor. In JavaScript, Object is a built-in constructor that creates a fresh, empty object.

  • The Object() part: That’s the constructor function. When you invoke it with new, you get a new object instance.

  • The declaration keyword: Wrapping this in const means you’re not planning to rebind the variable obj to something else. You’re saying, “this reference stays pointing at this object.” You can still change the object’s inside properties; you just can’t assign a whole new object to obj later.

A closer look at the answer

  • B uses const obj = new Object(); with a semicolon. This is the clean, standard way to declare a constant binding to a newly created object.

  • Why not A? Because it lacks a declaration keyword. It assigns to a variable without explicitly declaring it, which can lead to sloppy code and accidental globals in non-strict mode.

  • Why not C? Object.new() isn’t a real JavaScript method. The language uses new Object() (with a capital O for Object) to create the blank object.

  • Why not D? The syntax order is off. In JavaScript, you place new Object() before the semicolon in a declaration like const obj = new Object(); not after it.

What you can actually do with that new object

Once you have an object, you can add properties and methods. For example:

  • const obj = new Object();

  • obj.name = "Alex";

  • obj.age = 28;

  • obj.greet = function() { return "Hi, my name is " + this.name; };

Not bad, right? Here’s the important catch: because you used const, you can still mutate the object’s properties. You just can’t reassign obj to point to a different object or value. So the reference is fixed, but the contents are flexible.

A more common, modern pattern

Most developers today reach for a simpler, shorter syntax: the object literal. It looks like this:

  • const obj = {};

  • obj.name = "Alex";

  • obj.age = 28;

  • obj.greet = function() { return "Hi, my name is " + this.name; };

Why this matters in practice

  • Readability and speed: const obj = new Object(); feels a bit heavier than its literal cousin, const obj = {}; for everyday use. The literal form is quicker to type and often easier to scan.

  • Safety in teams: binding with const by default reduces accidental reassignments. You can still enrich the object with properties and methods, which keeps your code predictable.

  • Consistency: when you’re learning the core ideas—objects hold properties and methods, and you create them to model things in your app—sticking to a clear pattern helps you scale from small scripts to bigger modules.

A quick analogy to keep it in memory

Think of an object as a small digital recipe card. The new Object() call gives you a fresh blank card. The const binding is like placing the card in a fixed folder—nobody can move the folder, but you can still write and rewrite the recipe on the card itself.

How this fits into Revature-style projects

In real-world JavaScript work, you’ll often start with objects to model users, settings, products, or configurations. Being precise about when to use const, let, or var matters a lot in teams:

  • const for bindings you won’t reassign

  • let for values that will change over time

  • var, while still around in some legacy code, is generally avoided in modern codebases in favor of let and const because of scoping clarity

If you’re new to object creation, a good rule of thumb is: default to const, unless you know the reference will move. Then switch to let. It keeps things tidy and reduces bugs that creep in when a reference unexpectedly points somewhere else.

A couple of practical tips you can take to your next project

  • Start with the literal when you don’t need a constructor: const user = { name: "Mira", role: "dev" }; This is the most idiomatic JavaScript for simple objects.

  • Use the constructor when you need a blank slate to fill in later or you’re wrapping initialization logic inside a function. For example:

  • function Car(make, model) { this.make = make; this.model = model; }

  • const myCar = new Car("Toyota", "Corolla");

  • Remember: properties and methods belong to the object, not to the binding. mutability inside the object is a feature, not a bug.

Tiny challenges that sharpen understanding

  • Try rewriting the following in a more conventional way:

  • A: obj = new Object()

  • B: const obj = new Object();

  • C: let obj = Object.new();

  • D: new Object obj();

Answer: B, with the explanation above.

  • Then, experiment by turning the blank object into a small, functional “person” object:

  • const person = new Object();

  • person.name = "Sam";

  • person.isStudent = true;

  • person.sayHi = function() { return "Hello, I’m " + this.name; };

  • console.log(person.sayHi());

Where to go from here, if you want to level up

  • Read up on object prototypes and how methods are shared across instances. Prototypal inheritance is a big theme in JavaScript, and understanding it helps you write more efficient code.

  • Practice both object literals and constructors. Being comfortable with both makes you flexible in different codebases.

  • Look at real-world code examples. Open-source projects, tutorials, or even simple apps can show how teams organize objects, modules, and modules’ exports.

A friendly reminder

Mastering the basics—like creating a new object with a few clean lines—isn’t a cold start; it’s the foundation for everything that follows. When you know why a pattern works, you’re better equipped to adapt it, optimize it, and explain it to others. And hey, if you’re building toward more ambitious stuff, this is the first stepping stone you’ll stand on.

A quick recap

  • The right way to create a new object in JavaScript is often shown as const obj = new Object(); This uses the Object constructor with a constant binding.

  • Alternatives exist, like const obj = {};, which is shorter and more common for simple objects.

  • The const binding prevents reassigning the object reference, while you can still mutate the object’s properties.

  • In day-to-day projects, lean toward object literals for simplicity, and save constructor patterns for scenarios where you need a blueprint to spawn many objects.

If you’re navigating Revature-related materials, remember that this kind of foundational knowledge matters. It ties directly into how you model data, organize your code, and reason about behavior as your programs grow. And if you ever feel a little stuck, take a breath, re-check the syntax, and test with small, concrete examples. That practical experimentation is what makes the ideas stick.

Want a quick mental check next time you code? Ask yourself:

  • Do I just need a simple object, or do I need a blueprint to make many?

  • Is the reference I’m binding supposed to stay fixed, or will I reassign it later?

If the answer is “simple object” and “fixed reference,” you’ll likely reach for const with either an object literal or new Object(), depending on the context. If it feels right, try explaining the pattern aloud to a teammate or even to your own reflection. Teaching is a surprisingly strong way to learn.

In the end, these small, precise choices compound into clean, reliable code—and that reliability is what developers value when the rubber meets the road.

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