Day 6: Functional Programming in Python

In this blog, I aim to share my journey of exploring functional programming in Python. As I reflect on my sixth day of learning Python, I'll delve into the concepts and techniques that have helped me optimize my understanding and application of functional programming principles in Python.

Functions

Functions in Python are defined using the def keyword and serve as reusable blocks of code designed to accomplish specific tasks. They can return values using the return statement.

def add(a : int , b : int):
    return a + b;
# calling the function
ans = add(5,5)
# ans will contains the addition of two numbers
print("Answer : ",ans)

Functional Programming

Functional programming is a style of programming where we treat computation as the evaluation of mathematical functions. Unlike some other programming paradigms, functional programming avoids using changing-state or mutable data. In this approach, functions are treated as first-class citizens, meaning they can be passed around as arguments to other functions, returned as values from other functions, and even stored in variables. Key concepts in functional programming include:

• Immutability: Data that doesn't change once it's created.

• Higher-order functions: Functions that can take other functions as arguments or return functions as results.

• Recursion: A technique where a function calls itself to solve smaller instances of the same problem.

• Use of functions likemap, filter, and reduce: Functions that help manipulate collections of data efficiently.

In conclusion, this blog has highlighted the journey of exploring functional programming in Python, particularly on the sixth day of learning Python.

Functional programming advocates for immutability, higher-order functions, recursion, and the use of functions like map, filter, and reduce to manipulate data efficiently.

By understanding and applying these concepts, one can optimize their approach to programming in Python, fostering code that is more modular, maintainable, and in line with functional programming principles. As one continues their journey of learning Python, embracing functional programming can open up new avenues for problem-solving and code optimization.