When should I use impure functions in programming?

What are impure functions and when should I use them?

Impure functions are functions that can have side effects or depend on external state. You might use them when you need to interact with the outside world, like making API calls or modifying global variables.

Can you give me an example of an impure function?

Sure! An example of an impure function is one that updates a global variable or logs data to the console. For instance, a function that fetches user data and updates a global user object is impure.

Are there any downsides to using impure functions?

Yes, impure functions can make your code harder to test and debug because they rely on external state. It's often better to use pure functions when possible.

How can I manage the side effects of impure functions?

You can manage side effects by isolating impure functions, using them in controlled environments, or employing techniques like dependency injection.