What is the "get" keyword before a function in a class - JavaScript?

The get keyword in JavaScript creates a getter method that allows you to access a function like a property. When you call the getter, it executes the function and returns its value without using parentheses.

Syntax

class ClassName {
    get propertyName() {
        // return some value
    }
}

Basic Example

Here's how to define and use a getter method:

class Employee {
    constructor(name) {
        this.name = name;
    }
    
    get fullName() {
        return this.name;
    }
}

var employeeObject = new Employee("David Miller");
console.log(employeeObject.fullName); // No parentheses needed

David Miller

Getter vs Regular Method

The key difference is how you access them:

class Person {
    constructor(firstName, lastName) {
        this.firstName = firstName;
        this.lastName = lastName;
    }
    
    // Getter - accessed like a property
    get fullName() {
        return `${this.firstName} ${this.lastName}`;
    }
    
    // Regular method - requires parentheses
    getFullName() {
        return `${this.firstName} ${this.lastName}`;
    }
}

const person = new Person("John", "Doe");

console.log(person.fullName);    // Getter - no parentheses
console.log(person.getFullName()); // Method - requires parentheses

John Doe
John Doe

Practical Use Case

Getters are useful for computed properties and data validation:

class Circle {
    constructor(radius) {
        this._radius = radius;
    }
    
    get radius() {
        return this._radius;
    }
    
    get area() {
        return Math.PI * this._radius * this._radius;
    }
    
    get circumference() {
        return 2 * Math.PI * this._radius;
    }
}

const circle = new Circle(5);
console.log(`Radius: ${circle.radius}`);
console.log(`Area: ${circle.area.toFixed(2)}`);
console.log(`Circumference: ${circle.circumference.toFixed(2)}`);

Radius: 5
Area: 78.54
Circumference: 31.42

Key Points

• Getters are accessed like properties (no parentheses)
• They execute code when accessed, unlike simple properties
• Useful for computed values and encapsulation
• Cannot take parameters
• Often paired with setter methods

Conclusion

The get keyword creates getter methods that behave like properties but execute functions. Use getters for computed values and to provide clean, property-like access to class data.