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Lambda Function in Python

In Python, the normal functions are defined applying the def keyword. Now want to know about anonymous function in Python? A lambda function in Python is a tiny, anonymous function. An anonymous function here is nothing but a function that doesn’t have a name.

The lambda function can take n number of arguments but can consist of only a single expression.

Syntax of Lambda Function

lambda arguments:expression

The lambda function can consist of any number of arguments but can have only one expression which is assessed and later returned. These functions are limited to a single expression in terms of syntax, and they can’t even use a return statement. One should also remember that the lambda functions can be applied wherever function objects are needed. Generally, you can use it when you need an anonymous function for a short span.

Example Program:

The general syntax of a lambda function is quite simple:

lambda argument_list: expression

The argument list consists of a comma separated list of arguments and the expression is an arithmetic expression using these arguments. You can assign the function to a variable to give it a name.

The following example of a lambda function returns the sum of its two arguments:

>>> sum = lambda x, y : x + y

>>> sum(3,4)

7