What are the differences between first-order and higher-order functions in Python?

What are the differences between first-order and higher-order functions in Python?

First-order functions are those that do not take other functions as arguments or return them. Higher-order functions, on the other hand, can take one or more functions as arguments and can also return a function as a result.

Can you give me an example of a higher-order function?

Sure! A common example is the map() function, which takes a function and an iterable as arguments, applying the function to each item in the iterable.

What about first-order functions? Can you show me an example?

Absolutely! A simple example of a first-order function is a function that adds two numbers together, like this: def add(x, y): return x + y.

How do higher-order functions improve code readability?

Higher-order functions can improve readability by allowing you to abstract common patterns of computation, making your code more concise and expressive.