Lambda Functions in Python

Lambda functions are small, anonymous functions defined with the lambda keyword. They can have any number of parameters but only one expression.

They're useful for short functions that are used only once, especially with higher-order functions like map, filter, and sorted.

Basic Lambda Syntax

lambda parameters: expression

Multiple Parameters

Using with map()

map() applies a function to every item in an iterable.

Using with filter()

filter() keeps items where the function returns True.

Using with sorted()

Limitations of Lambda

• Only one expression (no statements like print or multiple lines)
• No annotations or docstrings
• Harder to debug (anonymous)
• Prefer regular functions for complex logic

Quick Quiz