What is functional programming and why is immutable data important?

What is functional programming and why is immutable data important?

Functional programming is a programming paradigm that treats computation as the evaluation of mathematical functions. Immutable data is crucial because it helps avoid side effects, making programs easier to understand and debug.

Can you explain what immutable data means?

Immutable data refers to data that cannot be changed after it is created. Instead of modifying existing data, new data structures are created, which helps maintain consistency and predictability in programs.

What are some benefits of using immutable data?

Some benefits include easier reasoning about code, improved performance in concurrent programming, and reduced chances of bugs due to unintended side effects.

Can you give an example of immutable data in a programming language?

Sure! In languages like JavaScript, you can use Object.freeze() to create immutable objects. In functional languages like Haskell, all data is immutable by default.