Lambda functions in Python, also known as anonymous functions, are small, single-expression functions that do not require a formal function definition or a name. They are defined using the lambda keyword, which is why they are often referred to as lambda functions. This type of function can take any number of arguments, but it can only have one expression, which is evaluated and returned.
One of the key characteristics of lambda functions is their use in situations where a simple function is needed for a short period within a larger block of code. For example, lambda functions are commonly used in higher-order functions (functions that take other functions as arguments or return them as results) such as map(), filter(), and reduce(). These functions allow for a concise way to perform operations on lists, such as performing a calculation on each item or filtering items under a certain condition[1][2].
Lambda functions are defined in a single line, which makes them syntactically compact. The syntax of a lambda function in Python is:
lambda arguments: expression
Here, arguments refers to the variables passed to the function, and expression is the operation or calculation performed using these arguments and the result of this expression is returned by the function.
Despite their usefulness for simple tasks, lambda functions are limited by their simplicity. They are not suitable for complex functions that require multiple expressions or statements. In such cases, it is better to define a regular function using the `de...
