Functions
M Anonymous Functions
Anonymous Functions
M anonymous functions use (x) => for inline transformations.
Introduction to M Anonymous Functions
M anonymous functions are a convenient way to write quick, inline transformations without the need to define a full function. These are often used for small operations or data transformations that are applied directly in the context where they are needed.
In M, an anonymous function is defined using the syntax (x) => expression
. This allows you to specify the input parameter(s) and the expression to be evaluated.
Basic Syntax of Anonymous Functions
The basic syntax of an M anonymous function consists of:
(x)
: The parameter list enclosed in parentheses.=>
: The lambda operator that separates parameters from the function body.expression
: The operation to be performed, which returns a value.
Examples of Anonymous Functions in M
Let's look at some practical examples of using anonymous functions in M.
Advantages of Using Anonymous Functions
Anonymous functions provide several benefits, including:
- Conciseness: They allow for shorter, more readable code without the overhead of named function declarations.
- Convenience: Ideal for quick transformations, especially when using higher-order functions.
- Scope: They can access variables in their immediate lexical scope, making them very handy for closures.
When to Use Anonymous Functions
Anonymous functions are best used in situations where:
- You need a short function for a simple operation.
- A function is used only once or a few times in a local context.
- You're working with functions that take other functions as arguments, such as
map
,filter
, orreduce
.
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