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What is functional programming in JavaScript?

Asked on Aug 09, 2024

Answer

Functional programming in JavaScript is a programming paradigm that treats computation as the evaluation of mathematical functions and avoids changing state or mutable data. It emphasizes the use of pure functions, immutability, and higher-order functions.
// Example of a pure function
        const add = (a, b) => a + b;

        // Higher-order function: takes a function as an argument
        const applyOperation = (operation, x, y) => operation(x, y);

        // Using the higher-order function
        const result = applyOperation(add, 5, 3);
        console.log(result); // Output: 8
Additional Comment:
  • A "pure function" is a function where the output value is determined only by its input values, without observable side effects.
  • "Higher-order functions" are functions that take other functions as arguments or return them as results.
  • Functional programming promotes "immutability", meaning data should not be changed after it is created.
  • This paradigm can lead to more predictable and easier-to-test code.
✅ Answered with JavaScript best practices.
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