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Python Lambda Functions

A lambda function is a small anonymous function. A lambda function can take any number of arguments, but can only have one expression.

Syntax

lambda arguments : expression

The expression is executed and the result is returned.

Examples

Basic Usage

Add 10 to argument a, and return the result:

x = lambda a : a + 10
print(x(5)) # Output: 15

Multiple Arguments

Multiply argument a with argument b and return the result:

x = lambda a, b : a * b
print(x(5, 6)) # Output: 30

Why Use Lambda Functions?

The power of lambda is better shown when you use them as an anonymous function inside another function.

Say you have a function definition that takes one argument, and that argument will be multiplied with an unknown number:

def myfunc(n):
  return lambda a : a * n

mydoubler = myfunc(2)

print(mydoubler(11)) # Output: 22

programming/python/python