Functions can be defined with “def” and lambdas from "summary" of Fluent Python by Luciano Ramalho
The concept of defining functions with “def” and lambdas is fundamental to Python programming. The “def” keyword is used to create named functions, which are reusable blocks of code that perform a specific task. When you define a function using “def”, you give it a name and specify the parameters it takes. Inside the function body, you write the code that implements the desired functionality. This code is executed whenever the function is called with the specified arguments. In contrast, lambdas are anonymous functions that are defined using the “lambda” keyword. Lambdas are useful for creating small, one-off functions without having to formally define them with a name. The syntax of a lambda function is concise, consisting of the “lambda” keyword followed by a list of parameters, a colon, and a single expression that is evaluated and returned as the result of the function. Despite their differences, both “def” functions and lambdas are first-class citizens in Python, meaning that they can be assigned to variables, passed as arguments to other functions, and returned as the result of a function call. This flexibility allows you to use functions and lambdas interchangeably in many situations, depending on the level of abstraction and complexity required. When deciding whether to use a “def” function or a lambda, consider the readability and maintainability of your code. “Def” functions are more suitable for complex tasks that require multiple lines of code and benefit from a descriptive name. On the other hand, lambdas are better suited for simple, one-line functions that are used as arguments to higher-order functions like map, filter, and sort.- Understanding how to define functions with “def” and lambdas is essential for writing clean, concise, and expressive code in Python. By leveraging both types of functions effectively, you can enhance the readability and flexibility of your programs, making them easier to understand, debug, and extend.
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