javascriptprototype

Why does Function.__proto__ return something different than other prototypes?

If you try to print out the __proto__ property of a regular object, say {}.__proto__ or foo.__proto__, you get [object object]; this [object object] is the prototype of another object. However, if you try to print out the __proto__ property of any function, it gives you function () { [native code] }. Why is that ? Shouldn't it return the prototype of the object that Function inherits from, which should be an object instead of another function (like function(){native code]}) ? How is it possible that the __proto__ of a function is another function and not an object, like other prototypes ?

*i know that Object.getPrototypeOf(obj) should be used instead of proto, but i used that instead because it is shorter.

If someone explained the above to me, i would be grateful as well. And if you have any confusions regarding my question, please ask in the comments instead of downvoting.

Solution

  • Cause

    Function.prototype.toString()

    will return 

    "function (){ [native code] }"

    The Function.prototype is an object, but as you print it, its typecasted to a string, and as the prototype implements the behaviour of functions:

    function(){}.toString()

    it will print being a function even if it isnt.

    function(){}
 .__proto__ // Function.prototype
 .__proto__ // Object.prototype
 .toString() // "[Object object]

    Maybe more imaginable:

    class Human {
  toString(){
    return "Im a Human";
  }
}

console.log( 
(new Human).__proto__
);
//the Human.prototype tells you that it is a Human, however its just a class.