What are functors in Python and how can I use them?

What are functors in Python and how can I use them?

Functors in Python are objects that can be called as if they were functions. They are typically implemented using classes with a __call__ method.

Can you give me an example of a functor in Python?

Sure! Here's a simple example:

class Adder:
    def __init__(self, value):
        self.value = value
    
    def __call__(self, x):
        return x + self.value

add_five = Adder(5)
print(add_five(10))  # Output: 15

How do functors differ from regular functions?

Functors are objects that maintain state and can be called like functions, while regular functions are stateless and defined using the def keyword.

When should I use functors instead of functions?

Use functors when you need to maintain state or when you want to encapsulate behavior in an object-oriented way.