JavaScript Easy technical 1 views 1 min read

Can I add getters and setters using defineProperty method?

Peer-reviewed by HireXTech Technical Panel Updated for 2025/2026 hiring Editorial standards
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Interviewer Expectations for this Question
01
Core Competency

Assesses fundamental understanding of JavaScript conventions, runtime behavior, and memory/performance considerations.

02
Evaluation Criteria

Hiring managers look for precision, avoidance of ambiguous jargon, and ability to explain trade-offs under real production conditions.

Comprehensive Model Answer Verified Solution

Yes, You can use the Object.defineProperty() method to add Getters and Setters. For example, the below counter object uses increment, decrement, add and subtract properties,

      var obj = { counter: 0 };

      // Define getters
      Object.defineProperty(obj, "increment", {
        get: function () {
          this.counter++;
          return this.counter;
        },
      });
      Object.defineProperty(obj, "decrement", {
        get: function () {
          this.counter--;
          return this.counter;
        },
      });

      // Define setters
      Object.defineProperty(obj, "add", {
        set: function (value) {
          this.counter += value;
        },
      });
      Object.defineProperty(obj, "subtract", {
        set: function (value) {
          this.counter -= value;
        },
      });

      obj.add = 10;
      obj.subtract = 5;
      console.log(obj.increment); //6
      console.log(obj.decrement); //5
      

Candidate Response Strategy & Interview Tips

  1. Start with a concise one-sentence summary: Deliver a direct, confident answer first before expanding into nuances.
  2. Demonstrate real-world trade-offs: Discuss where this approach excels and when you would avoid it in production systems.
  3. Discuss complexity & edge cases: Proactively explain time/space complexity or boundary conditions (null values, scale limits).
  4. Prepare for interviewer follow-ups: Technical hiring panels frequently probe deeper into concurrency, backward compatibility, or alternative libraries.
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