Why do we use lambda functions in Python?

Published on Aug. 22, 2023, 12:20 p.m.

We use lambda functions in Python for various reasons, such as:

  1. To write small, one-line functions without defining a name or using the “def” keyword. This is useful when we need to define a quick function without going through the entire function definition process.
  2. To pass a function as an argument to another function. This is known as a higher-order function, and lambda functions can be used to simplify the syntax of such functions.
  3. To write functions that return other functions. This is known as a closure, and lambda functions can be used to create these functions without creating a separate named function.
  4. To write concise and readable code. Lambda functions can often lead to shorter, more readable code that is easier to understand and maintain.

Overall, lambda functions provide a more concise and readable way to write functions in certain situations, where defining a named function would be unnecessary or overly verbose.

How to use lambda in python?

To use lambda functions in Python, you can define them using the lambda keyword followed by a list of parameters, a colon, and a single expression. Here is the basic syntax of a lambda function in Python:

lambda arguments: expression

The expression in a lambda function can be any valid Python expression, and the arguments can be any number of input parameters that the function expects. For example, here is a lambda function that adds two numbers:

add = lambda x, y: x + y
result = add(2, 3)
print(result) # Output: 5

In this example, we define a lambda function called “add” that takes two parameters x and y, and returns the sum of x and y. We then call the “add” function with the arguments 2 and 3, and store the result in a variable called “result”.

Lambda functions are useful in situations where we need to quickly define a small, anonymous function without going through the process of defining a named function. For example, they can be used to pass simple functions as arguments to other functions, or to define short, reusable functions within a larger code block.

How to use lambda in pandas?

To use lambda functions in Pandas, you can use the apply() method on a DataFrame or a Series object. This method allows you to apply a function to each element of the DataFrame or Series, including lambda functions.

Here is an example of how to apply a lambda function to a Pandas DataFrame:

import pandas as pd

# create a sample DataFrame
df = pd.DataFrame({'A': [1, 2, 3], 'B': [4, 5, 6]})

# apply a lambda function to each element of the DataFrame
df = df.apply(lambda x: x * 2)

print(df)

In this example, we define a lambda function that simply multiplies each value by 2. We then apply this lambda function to each element of the DataFrame using the apply() method, and store the resulting DataFrame back in the variable “df”. Finally, we print the updated DataFrame.

You can also use lambda functions in conjunction with other Pandas methods, such as filter(), map(), and reduce(), to manipulate DataFrame and Series data in various ways.

How to use lambda in numpy?

To use lambda functions in NumPy, you can use the fromfunction() method. This method allows you to create an array from a user-defined function, including lambda functions.

Here is an example of how to use a lambda function with NumPy’s fromfunction() method:

import numpy as np

# create a 5x5 matrix using a lambda function
arr = np.fromfunction(lambda i, j: i + j, (5, 5))
print(arr)

In this example, we define a lambda function that takes two arguments i and j, and returns their sum. We then use the fromfunction() method to create a 5x5 matrix using this lambda function, and store the resulting matrix in the variable “arr”. Finally, we print the matrix to the console.

You can also use lambda functions with other NumPy methods, such as map() and reduce(), to manipulate arrays in various ways.