What are lambda expressions and how do they differ across programming languages?

What are lambda expressions and how do they differ across programming languages?

Lambda expressions are anonymous functions that can be defined in various programming languages. They allow you to create small, one-off functions without formally defining them. For example, in Python, you can use the lambda keyword, while in Java, you can use the -> syntax.

Can you give me examples of lambda expressions in Python and Java?

Sure! In Python, a lambda expression to add two numbers would look like this: add = lambda x, y: x + y. In Java, you could write a similar function using a lambda expression like this: BinaryOperator<Integer> add = (x, y) -> x + y;.

What about lambda expressions in JavaScript?

In JavaScript, lambda expressions are often referred to as arrow functions. For example, you can write: const add = (x, y) => x + y;. This is a concise way to define a function.

Are there any performance differences between using lambda expressions and regular functions?

Yes, there can be performance differences. Lambda expressions can be more efficient in certain contexts, especially when used as inline functions. However, the actual performance can vary based on the language and the specific use case.