Lambda: meaning, definitions and examples
λ
lambda
[ˈlæmbdə ]
Definition
mathematics, programming
In mathematics and computer science, 'lambda' often refers to an anonymous function or a function defined without a name. It is commonly used in functional programming to create small, throwaway functions. Lambda expressions are a way to define a function in a concise syntax, allowing the creation of functions on the fly, especially as arguments to high-order functions. The term derives from the notation introduced by Alonzo Church in the 1930s to formulate a formal system of logic and computation.
Synonyms
anonymous function, function literal, lambda expression.
Examples of usage
- The lambda function can be used to filter a list.
- In Python, you can create a simple transformation of data using a lambda expression.
- Lambda calculus is foundational for understanding functional programming.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The term 'lambda' comes from the 11th letter of the Greek alphabet, Λ (capital) and λ (lowercase).
- In the early 20th century, the term began being used in the context of mathematics and computer science.
Computer Science
- In programming, a lambda function is a small, anonymous function that can have multiple arguments but can only have one expression.
- Lambda expressions allow for a concise way to write functions in languages like Python, Java, and JavaScript.
- Lambda calculus is a formal system used in mathematical logic and computer science to represent computation through function abstraction and application.
Mathematics
- In mathematics, lambda is often used to denote eigenvalues in linear algebra, as well as in statistics to represent the wavelength of electromagnetic waves.
- It also appears in calculus, where it can represent a real number in a limit or lambda notation.
Cultural References
- Lambda is a symbol embraced by the LGBTQ+ community, representing diversity and pride.
- In 2016, the Lambda Literary Awards celebrated outstanding works in LGBTQ literature, honoring creativity and representation.
Pop Culture
- Lambda has found its way into popular culture, referenced in films and series such as 'The Matrix' where concepts of parallel realities and computational philosophy are explored.
- The character Lambda in various video games often embodies intelligence, strategy, or mastery of code and computation.
Translations
Translations of the word "lambda" in other languages:
🇵🇹 lambda
- letra grega
- função anônima
🇮🇳 लैम्ब्डा
- ग्रीक अक्षर
- अज्ञात कार्य
🇩🇪 Lambda
- griechischer Buchstabe
- anonyme Funktion
🇮🇩 lambda
- huruf Yunani
- fungsi anonim
🇺🇦 лямбда
- грецька буква
- анонімна функція
🇵🇱 lambda
- litera grecka
- funkcja anonimowa
🇯🇵 ラムダ
- ギリシャ文字
- 匿名関数
🇫🇷 lambda
- lettre grecque
- fonction anonyme
🇪🇸 lambda
- letra griega
- función anónima
🇹🇷 lambda
- Yunan harfi
- anonim fonksiyon
🇰🇷 람다
- 그리스 문자
- 익명 함수
🇸🇦 لامدا
- حرف يوناني
- دالة مجهولة
🇨🇿 lambda
- řecké písmeno
- anonymní funkce
🇸🇰 lambda
- grécke písmeno
- anonymná funkcia
🇨🇳 λ (lambda)
- 希腊字母
- 匿名函数
🇸🇮 lambda
- grška črka
- anonimna funkcija
🇮🇸 lambda
- gríska stafur
- nafnlaus aðgerð
🇰🇿 лямбда
- грек әрпі
- анонимді функция
🇬🇪 ლამბდა
- ბერძნული ასო
- ანონიმური ფუნქცია
🇦🇿 lambda
- yunan hərfi
- anonim funksiya
🇲🇽 lambda
- letra griega
- función anónima