class

The class declaration creates a new class with a given name using prototype-based inheritance.

You can also define a class using a class expression. But unlike a class expression, a class declaration doesn't allow an existing class to be declared again and will throw a SyntaxError if attempted.

Syntax

class name [extends otherName] {
  // class body
}

Description

The class body of a class declaration is executed in strict mode. The constructor method is optional.

Class declarations are not hoisted (unlike function declarations).

Examples

A simple class declaration

In the following example, we first define a class named Polygon, then extend it to create a class named Square.

Note that super(), used in the constructor, can only be used in constructors, and must be called before the this keyword can be used.

class Polygon {
  constructor(height, width) {
    this.name = 'Polygon';
    this.height = height;
    this.width = width;
  }
}

class Square extends Polygon {
  constructor(length) {
    super(length, length);
    this.name = 'Square';
  }
}

Attempting to declare a class twice

Re-declaring a class using the class declaration throws a SyntaxError.

class Foo {};
class Foo {}; // Uncaught SyntaxError: Identifier 'Foo' has already been declared

The same error is thrown when a class has been defined before using the class expression.

let Foo = class {};
class Foo {}; // Uncaught SyntaxError: Identifier 'Foo' has already been declared

Specifications

Specification
ECMAScript (ECMA-262)
The definition of 'Class definitions' in that specification.

Browser compatibility

DesktopMobileServer
ChromeEdgeFirefoxInternet ExplorerOperaSafariAndroid webviewChrome for AndroidFirefox for AndroidOpera for AndroidSafari on iOSSamsung InternetNode.js
classChrome Full support 49
Full support 49
No support 42 — 49
Notes
Notes Strict mode is required.
No support 42 — 49
Disabled
Disabled From version 42 until version 49 (exclusive): this feature is behind the Experimental JavaScript preference (needs to be set to Enabled). To change preferences in Chrome, visit chrome://flags.
Edge Full support 13Firefox Full support 45IE No support NoOpera Full support 36
Full support 36
No support 29 — 36
Notes
Notes Strict mode is required.
No support 29 — 36
Disabled
Disabled From version 29 until version 36 (exclusive): this feature is behind the Experimental JavaScript preference (needs to be set to Enabled).
Safari Full support 10.1WebView Android Full support 49
Full support 49
No support 42 — 49
Notes
Notes Strict mode is required.
Chrome Android Full support 49
Full support 49
No support 42 — 49
Notes
Notes Strict mode is required.
No support 42 — 49
Disabled
Disabled From version 42 until version 49 (exclusive): this feature is behind the Experimental JavaScript preference (needs to be set to Enabled). To change preferences in Chrome, visit chrome://flags.
Firefox Android Full support 45Opera Android Full support 36
Full support 36
No support 29 — 36
Notes
Notes Strict mode is required.
No support 29 — 36
Disabled
Disabled From version 29 until version 36 (exclusive): this feature is behind the Experimental JavaScript preference (needs to be set to Enabled).
Safari iOS Full support 10.3Samsung Internet Android Full support 5.0
Full support 5.0
No support 4.0 — 5.0
Notes
Notes Strict mode is required.
nodejs Full support 6.0.0

Legend

Full support
Full support
No support
No support
See implementation notes.
See implementation notes.
User must explicitly enable this feature.
User must explicitly enable this feature.

See also