What is immutable data in functional programming?

What is immutable data in functional programming?

Immutable data refers to data that cannot be changed after it is created. In functional programming, this concept is crucial as it helps maintain state consistency and avoids side effects.

Why is immutability important?

Immutability is important because it makes programs easier to understand and debug. It also allows for safer concurrent programming since immutable data can be shared without the risk of modification.

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

Sure! In languages like Haskell, lists are immutable. Once a list is created, you cannot change its elements, but you can create new lists based on it.

How does immutability affect performance?

Immutability can have performance implications, as creating new data structures instead of modifying existing ones may lead to increased memory usage. However, many languages optimize this with techniques like structural sharing.