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Lambda and Anonymous Functions

Discussions center on the syntax, limitations, and benefits of lambda functions versus full anonymous functions across languages like Python, JavaScript, and Haskell, with frequent criticism of Python's single-expression lambda restriction.

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dragonwriter (29) masklinn (26) int_19h (25) kazinator (23) eru (16)

Keywords

julialang.org JS E2 ML x.name JavaScript FP github.com VM i.e lambda lambdas function functions anonymous syntax arrow expression const javascript

Sample Comments

nuancebydefault • Oct 1, 2024 • View on HN

What is the benefitsof the lambda notation over a more intuitive arrow notation like x->x+1?

jcelerier • Aug 4, 2020 • View on HN

what would nested functions bring you that lambdas don't ?

exit • Dec 22, 2010 • View on HN

why doesn't python have anonymous functions (not just lambdas which can only be expressions)?

ramses0 • Dec 31, 2024 • View on HN

Lambda functions would like to have a word...

andrepd • Apr 12, 2025 • View on HN

I've always thought this should be first-class syntax in any language with lambdas

mattdeboard • Jan 10, 2012 • View on HN

Doesn't most of this apply to Python anonymous functions?

tormeh • May 7, 2015 • View on HN

Given that "anonymous function" is the same as "lambda", please use "anonymous function", because it's self-explaining.

grigory • Aug 28, 2009 • View on HN

No mention of lambda style anonymous functions, too!

meagain20000 • Dec 30, 2015 • View on HN

Please explain it like I'm five: what is the big deal about lamdas?

current_call • Mar 19, 2015 • View on HN

Because then you end up with thinks like Python's one expression lambda.