Functional Programming

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following statements best describes the distinction between "Computer" and "Compute" in the context of functional programming?

  • "Computer" involves high-level programming languages, while "Compute" relates to low-level languages.
  • "Computer" refers to the execution of mathematical calculations, while "Compute" involves hardware-level operations.
  • "Computer" and "Compute" are synonymous terms used interchangeably in functional programming.
  • "Computer" represents hardware-level operations like addition and subtraction, whereas "Compute" signifies mathematical calculations. (correct)

In the context of functional programming, what is a key characteristic of a 'pure function'?

  • Pure functions rely on external variables to compute their results.
  • Pure functions produce the same output for the same input and have no side effects. (correct)
  • Pure functions always produce different outputs for the same inputs due to variable states.
  • Pure functions can have side effects that modify external variables.

What does it mean for a programming language to 'allow functions to be passed as arguments to other functions'?

  • It enables the creation of higher-order functions and supports functional programming paradigms. (correct)
  • It restricts the use of variables within functions.
  • It allows the language to bypass the need for compiling code.
  • It simplifies the syntax for defining functions.

What is the significance of the statement: 'Function names are variables that point to functions'?

<p>It implies that functions can be treated as objects and manipulated like any other variable. (A)</p>
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How does the concept of functions as first class citizens contribute to functional programming?

<p>It enables functions to be passed as arguments, returned as values, and assigned to variables. (C)</p>
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What is the role of higher-order functions in functional programming paradigms?

<p>They enable abstraction and manipulation of functions, promoting code reuse and flexibility. (B)</p>
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If a function abs is redefined to a variable 10, what would happen when abs(-10) is called?

<p>It will result in a <code>TypeError</code> because <code>abs</code> no longer refers to the original function. (D)</p>
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Given the function add(x, y, f) where f is another function, what is the purpose of passing f as an argument?

<p>To apply the function <code>f</code> to <code>x</code> and <code>y</code> before adding them together. (B)</p>
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What is the key principle behind functional programming in terms of function behavior?

<p>Functions should be predictable, with the same inputs always producing the same outputs. (A)</p>
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What distinguishes functional programming from imperative programming?

<p>Functional programming focuses on describing the desired outcome, while imperative programming details the steps to achieve it. (C)</p>
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Which characteristic of Python makes it 'not a purely functional programming language'?

<p>Python supports the use of variables and mutable state. (B)</p>
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How does functional programming relate to mathematical computation in comparison to traditional programming?

<p>Functional programming abstracts away from the hardware and mirrors mathematical computation more closely. (A)</p>
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When a variable is assigned to a function, what does this primarily allow?

<p>It allows the function to be called using the variable name, providing an alias for the function. (C)</p>
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What would be the likely outcome of attempting to reassign the built-in abs function to an integer value and then calling it?

<p>A TypeError would be raised, indicating that an integer is not callable. (B)</p>
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Why are functions in purely functional programming languages considered without side effects?

<p>To ensure that the function's behavior is deterministic, based only on its inputs. (D)</p>
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What is a key advantage of passing a function as an argument to another function?

<p>It enables the accepting function to customize its behavior based on the argument function. (A)</p>
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What is the primary reason for using higher-order functions in programming?

<p>To improve code reusability and abstraction by treating functions as data. (B)</p>
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In the context of functional programming, what does abstraction refer to?

<p>The process of simplifying complex systems by hiding unnecessary details. (A)</p>
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Why does reassigning the abs function to a different variable of type integer disrupt its functionality?

<p>Because it breaks the type contract expected by the interpreter for that identifier. (C)</p>
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What benefit does employing higher-order functions offer in terms of code structure and design?

<p>It allows for more modular and composable code, improving reusability and maintainability. (C)</p>
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Flashcards

Procedural Programming

Breaking down complex tasks into simpler ones through function calls.

Functional Programming

A programming paradigm focused on mathematical-style computation, minimizing state changes.

Computer Instructions

Instructions executed by the CPU involving basic operations like addition, subtraction, and conditional jumps.

Compute

Mathematical computation, more abstract and further from hardware.

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Pure Functions

Pure functions produce the same output for the same input and have no side effects.

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Higher-Order Function

Functions that can be passed as arguments to other functions, or returned as values.

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Functions as Variables

In Python, a variable can refer to a function object.

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Function Name

A name that refers to a function.

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Abstract Coding

Allowing functions as arguments promotes highly abstract coding.

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Study Notes

Functional Programming

  • A built-in Python encapsulation method involves breaking down large code segments into functions.
  • Function calls decompose complex tasks into simpler ones, known as procedure-oriented programming, with functions as its basic unit.
  • Functional Programming is a procedure-oriented programming approach, with a mindset closer to mathematical computation.
  • The core difference lies in understanding "Computer" versus "Compute."
  • Computers execute instructions like arithmetic and conditional branching at the CPU level, with assembly language being the closest to machine language.
  • Computation refers to mathematical calculation, with greater abstraction moving further from hardware.
  • Lower-level programming languages correspond closely to the computer, have low abstraction, and high execution efficiency, C being an example.
  • Higher-level languages are closer to computation, have high abstraction, and low execution efficiency, Lisp being an example.
  • Functional programming is a highly abstract paradigm where functions do not have variables.
  • The output of a function relies solely on its input.
  • Such pure functions are without side effects.
  • Languages allowing variables may have functions with uncertain variable states, leading to varied outputs for the same inputs, and are therefore functions with side effects.
  • A characteristic of functional programming is the ability to pass functions as parameters to other functions, and also return functions themselves.
  • Python offers partial support for functional programming but is not purely functional due to its allowance of variables.

Higher-Order Functions

  • Higher-order functions can be assigned to variables.
  • Using the Python built-in function abs() as an example, abs(-10) calls the function.
  • abs refers to the function itself.
  • Assigning abs(-10) to a variable stores the result.
  • Assigning abs to a variable allows the variable to point to the function.
  • Variables can point to functions.
  • If a variable points to a function, the variable can be used to call that function.
  • The function name abs is a variable that points to the function that calculates absolute values.
  • Modifying abs to point to another object would cause an error. To fix this, restart the Python interactive environment.
  • Since abs is defined in the import builtins module, changes must be applied there: import builtins; builtins.abs = 10.

Passing Functions

  • Since variables can point to functions, a function can accept another function as a parameter, known as a higher-order function.
  • When calling add(-5, 6, abs), x, y, and f receive -5, 6, and the abs function respectively.
  • Writing higher-order functions involves enabling function parameters to receive other functions.
  • Functions passed as parameters are called higher-order functions.
  • Functional programming refers to this highly abstract programming paradigm.

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