The Array[@@species] accessor property returns the Array constructor.
Syntax
Array[Symbol.species]
Return value
The Array constructor.
Description
The species accessor property returns the default constructor for Array objects. Subclass constructors may over-ride it to change the constructor assignment.
Examples
The species property returns the default constructor function, which is the Array constructor for Array objects:
Array[Symbol.species]; // function Array()
In a derived collection object (e.g. your custom array MyArray), the MyArray species is the MyArray constructor. However, you might want to overwrite this, in order to return parent Array objects in your derived class methods:
class MyArray extends Array {
// Overwrite MyArray species to the parent Array constructor
static get [Symbol.species]() { return Array; }
}
Specifications
| Specification | Status | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| ECMAScript 2015 (6th Edition, ECMA-262) The definition of 'get Array [ @@species ]' in that specification. |
Standard | Initial definition. |
| ECMAScript 2017 Draft (ECMA-262) The definition of 'get Array [ @@species ]' in that specification. |
Draft |
Browser compatibility
| Feature | Chrome | Firefox (Gecko) | Internet Explorer | Opera | Safari |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic support | ? | 48 (48) | ? | ? | ? |
| Feature | Android | Chrome for Android | Firefox Mobile (Gecko) | IE Mobile | Opera Mobile | Safari Mobile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic support | ? | ? | 48.0 (48) | ? | ? | ? |