A lambda function is a small anonymous (unnamed) function in Python.
It is used for short, simple operations that can be written in a single line.

Lambda functions are often used when a function is needed temporarily.

SYNTAX OF LAMBDA FUNCTION

lambda arguments: expression

• lambda is the keyword
• Arguments are inputs (like parameters)
• Expression is the value that will be returned automatically

Note: Lambda functions do not use the return keyword. The result of the expression is returned automatically.

EXAMPLE 1: SIMPLE LAMBDA FUNCTION

add = lambda a, b: a + b
print(add(5, 3))

Output:
8

This works similar to:

def add(a, b):
    return a + b

EXAMPLE 2: LAMBDA WITH ONE ARGUMENT

square = lambda x: x * x
print(square(4))

Output:
16

LAMBDA WITH IF-ELSE (CONDITIONAL EXPRESSION)

check_even = lambda x: "Even" if x % 2 == 0 else "Odd"
print(check_even(5))

Output:
Odd

USING LAMBDA WITH BUILT-IN FUNCTIONS

Lambda functions are commonly used with functions like map(), filter(), and sorted().

Example with map()

numbers = [1, 2, 3, 4]
squares = list(map(lambda x: x * x, numbers))
print(squares)

Example with filter()

numbers = [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]
evens = list(filter(lambda x: x % 2 == 0, numbers))
print(evens)

WHEN TO USE LAMBDA FUNCTIONS

• For short, simple operations
• When passing a function as an argument
• When you need a quick temporary function

LIMITATIONS OF LAMBDA FUNCTIONS

• Can only contain a single expression
• Cannot include multiple statements
• Less readable for complex logic

WHY LAMBDA FUNCTIONS ARE IMPORTANT

• Make code shorter and cleaner
• Useful in functional programming
• Help write concise and efficient programs

Understanding lambda functions helps you write compact and professional Python code.