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Lernen What Are Anonymous Functions? | Anonymous Functions in R
Functions and Functional Programming in R

bookWhat Are Anonymous Functions?

Anonymous functions are a powerful feature in R that allow you to create functions without assigning them a name. These functions are especially useful when you need to perform quick, one-off operations and do not intend to reuse the function elsewhere in your code. Instead of defining a full function and giving it a name, you can write an anonymous function directly where you need it, making your code more concise and focused for small tasks.

Note
Definition

An anonymous function (also called a lambda function) is a function defined without a name. In R, these are typically used for small, throwaway tasks, such as inline operations within higher-order functions like sapply, lapply, or apply.

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# Assigning an anonymous function to a variable square <- function(x) x^2 square(5)
copy

The syntax for anonymous functions in R is straightforward. You use the function keyword, followed by the argument list in parentheses, and then the body of the function in braces or as a single expression. What makes the function anonymous is that you do not provide a name after the function keyword. For instance, function(x) x^2 defines a function that squares its argument, but it has no name unless you assign it to a variable.

1234
# Using an anonymous function directly with sapply numbers <- c(1, 2, 3, 4) doubled <- sapply(numbers, function(x) x * 2) print(doubled)
copy

Anonymous functions are particularly advantageous for short, simple tasks where defining a named function would be unnecessary or would clutter your code. You commonly use them as arguments to other functions, such as those in the apply family, when you need a quick transformation or operation that is unlikely to be reused.

When deciding between named and anonymous functions, consider readability and reusability. Named functions make your code clearer and easier to maintain, especially if the function is complex or used multiple times. Anonymous functions, on the other hand, are ideal for simple, one-off operations where introducing a name would add unnecessary overhead.

1. What is an anonymous function in R?

2. When might you prefer an anonymous function over a named function?

3. What is a potential drawback of using anonymous functions?

question mark

What is an anonymous function in R?

Select the correct answer

question mark

When might you prefer an anonymous function over a named function?

Select the correct answer

question mark

What is a potential drawback of using anonymous functions?

Select the correct answer

War alles klar?

Wie können wir es verbessern?

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Abschnitt 2. Kapitel 1

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Suggested prompts:

Can you give more examples of anonymous functions in R?

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bookWhat Are Anonymous Functions?

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Anonymous functions are a powerful feature in R that allow you to create functions without assigning them a name. These functions are especially useful when you need to perform quick, one-off operations and do not intend to reuse the function elsewhere in your code. Instead of defining a full function and giving it a name, you can write an anonymous function directly where you need it, making your code more concise and focused for small tasks.

Note
Definition

An anonymous function (also called a lambda function) is a function defined without a name. In R, these are typically used for small, throwaway tasks, such as inline operations within higher-order functions like sapply, lapply, or apply.

123
# Assigning an anonymous function to a variable square <- function(x) x^2 square(5)
copy

The syntax for anonymous functions in R is straightforward. You use the function keyword, followed by the argument list in parentheses, and then the body of the function in braces or as a single expression. What makes the function anonymous is that you do not provide a name after the function keyword. For instance, function(x) x^2 defines a function that squares its argument, but it has no name unless you assign it to a variable.

1234
# Using an anonymous function directly with sapply numbers <- c(1, 2, 3, 4) doubled <- sapply(numbers, function(x) x * 2) print(doubled)
copy

Anonymous functions are particularly advantageous for short, simple tasks where defining a named function would be unnecessary or would clutter your code. You commonly use them as arguments to other functions, such as those in the apply family, when you need a quick transformation or operation that is unlikely to be reused.

When deciding between named and anonymous functions, consider readability and reusability. Named functions make your code clearer and easier to maintain, especially if the function is complex or used multiple times. Anonymous functions, on the other hand, are ideal for simple, one-off operations where introducing a name would add unnecessary overhead.

1. What is an anonymous function in R?

2. When might you prefer an anonymous function over a named function?

3. What is a potential drawback of using anonymous functions?

question mark

What is an anonymous function in R?

Select the correct answer

question mark

When might you prefer an anonymous function over a named function?

Select the correct answer

question mark

What is a potential drawback of using anonymous functions?

Select the correct answer

War alles klar?

Wie können wir es verbessern?

Danke für Ihr Feedback!

Abschnitt 2. Kapitel 1
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