What is the difference between `new Object()` and object literal notation in JavaScript?

JavaScript provides two main ways to create objects: new Object() constructor and object literal notation {}. While both create objects, they have important differences in syntax, performance, and flexibility.

Object Literal Notation

Object literal notation uses curly braces {} to create objects directly with properties:

let person = {
    name: 'Ayush',
    age: 25,
    city: 'Delhi'
};

console.log(person.name);
console.log(person);

Ayush
{ name: 'Ayush', age: 25, city: 'Delhi' }

Using new Object() Constructor

The new Object() constructor creates an empty object, then properties are added separately:

let person = new Object();
person.name = 'Ayush';
person.age = 25;
person.city = 'Delhi';

console.log(person.name);
console.log(person);

Ayush
{ name: 'Ayush', age: 25, city: 'Delhi' }

Empty Object Creation

Both approaches can create empty objects:

let obj1 = {};
let obj2 = new Object();

console.log(obj1);
console.log(obj2);
console.log(typeof obj1, typeof obj2);

{}
{}
object object

Key Differences

Best Practice Example

Object literal notation is preferred for readability and performance:

// Recommended approach
let car = {
    brand: 'Toyota',
    model: 'Camry',
    year: 2023,
    start: function() {
        return 'Car started!';
    }
};

console.log(car.brand);
console.log(car.start());

Toyota
Car started!

Conclusion

While both methods create identical objects, object literal notation {} is preferred due to cleaner syntax, better performance, and improved readability. Use new Object() only when dynamically creating objects or when required by specific patterns.