Q1. What is a lambda function in Python?
A lambda function is a small anonymous function defined with the lambda keyword.
It can have any number of arguments but only one expression.
Example:
It can have any number of arguments but only one expression.
Example:
add = lambda x, y: x + y
print(add(3, 5)) # 8Q2. When would you use a lambda function?
Lambda functions are useful when you need a simple function for a short period, especially as arguments to higher-order functions like map(), filter(), sorted(), etc.
They are more concise than defining a full function with def.
They are more concise than defining a full function with def.
Q3. How do you use lambda with map() and filter()?
map() applies a function to all items in an iterable.
filter() selects items based on a condition.
Example:
filter() selects items based on a condition.
Example:
numbers = [1,2,3,4]
squared = list(map(lambda x: x**2, numbers))
evens = list(filter(lambda x: x % 2 == 0, numbers))Q4. What are the limitations of lambda functions?
Lambda functions can only contain a single expression, not statements (like print or assignments).
They lack annotations and cannot have multiple lines.
They are limited to simple operations.
For complex logic, define a regular function.
They lack annotations and cannot have multiple lines.
They are limited to simple operations.
For complex logic, define a regular function.
Q5. Can lambda functions be assigned to variables?
Yes, you can assign a lambda to a variable, but it's often discouraged because it defeats the purpose of anonymous functions.
Regular def statements are clearer for named functions.
Use lambdas mainly when they are used directly as arguments.
Regular def statements are clearer for named functions.
Use lambdas mainly when they are used directly as arguments.