Lambda Function in Python

Python 🐍 is no doubt, one of the coolest programming language ever created. And its uniqueness and features, are all a par. One of the most awesome feature of Python is: Lambda Function

LamWhat?

Lambda Function, aka. anonymous function. A lambda function is a small anonymous function. It can take any number of arguments, but can only have one expression.

Syntax

lambda arguments : expression

The expression is executed and the result is returned:

For example

Add 10 to argument a, and return the result:

x = lambda a : a + 10
print(x(5))

The best part of Lambda function is, it is not limited to a single argument only. Rather, it can take as many arguments as required. For example in the code snippet shared below, it summarizes argument a, b, and c and return the result:

x = lambda a, b, c : a + b + c
print(x(5, 6, 2))

Why use Lambda Function

The power of lambda is better shown when you use them as an anonymous function inside another function.

Say you have a function definition that takes one argument, and that argument will be multiplied with an unknown number:

def myfunc(n):
  return lambda a : a * n

Use that function definition to make a function that always doubles the number you send in:

def myfunc(n):
  return lambda a : a * n

mydoubler = myfunc(2)

print(mydoubler(11))

Or, use the same function definition to make multiple functions, in the same program:

def myfunc(n):
  return lambda a : a * n

mydoubler = myfunc(2)
mytripler = myfunc(3)

print(mydoubler(11))
print(mytripler(11))

Examples

Note: Use lambda functions when an anonymous function is required for a short period of time.

Comments

[Aatmaj]

That is a good one! Neat explaination too!

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