Functional Programming (FP) is a paradigm that treats computation as the evaluation of mathematical functions. It avoids concepts of changing state and mutable data that can be unfamiliar to many imperative programmers.
Why Haskell?
Haskell is a purely functional language and a great way to explore the core ideas of FP. Its syntax is expressive, and its type system enforces many of FP’s core principles.
Core Concepts in Functional Programming
- Immutability: Data is never changed once created.
- Pure Functions: The same input always gives the same output and has no side effects.
- First-Class Functions: Functions are treated like any other variable.
- Recursion: Loops are replaced with recursive function calls.
- Higher-Order Functions: Functions that take other functions as parameters or return them.
Example: A Pure Function in Haskell
add :: Int -> Int -> Int
add x y = x + y
This function is pure—it always returns the same output for the same inputs, and it doesn’t modify any state.
Benefits of FP
- Easier reasoning about code
- Fewer bugs due to immutability
- Improved modularity and reusability
Final Thoughts
Even if you don’t plan to use Haskell in production, learning it can deepen your understanding of functional programming and improve your skills in other languages like JavaScript, Scala, or Rust.
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