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functional programming

A LevelComputer Science~4 min read

Overview

This lesson introduces Functional Programming, a programming paradigm that treats computation as the evaluation of mathematical functions and avoids changing state and mutable data. It contrasts with imperative programming by emphasizing immutability, pure functions, and higher-order functions, leading to more predictable and testable code.

Introduction to Functional Programming Paradigm

Functional Programming (FP) is a declarative programming paradigm, meaning it focuses on *what* to compute rather than *how* to compute it. Unlike imperative programming, which relies on statements that change a program's state, FP emphasizes the evaluation of expressions and functions. Key principl...

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Key Concepts

  • Functional Programming: A programming paradigm that builds programs by applying and composing functions, emphasizing immutability and avoiding side effects.
  • Pure Function: A function that, given the same inputs, will always return the same output and causes no observable side effects.
  • Immutability: The state of an object or data structure that cannot be modified after it is created.
  • Higher-Order Function: A function that takes one or more functions as arguments or returns a function as its result.
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Exam Tips

  • Be able to clearly define and distinguish between 'pure functions' and 'functions with side effects', providing examples for each.
  • Understand the concept of 'immutability' and explain why it is beneficial in functional programming, especially regarding concurrency.
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