C++ All-in-One For Dummies, 4th Edition

Chapter 1

Considering Functional Programming

IN THIS CHAPTER

Understanding how functional programming works

Defining how functional programming differs

Implementing functional programming using lambda expressions

This minibook describes a different sort of C++ programming in the form of the functional programming paradigm. A paradigm is a framework that expresses a particular set of assumptions, relies on particular ways of thinking through problems, and uses particular methodologies to solve those problems. You’ll still use C++, but you use it in a manner that differs from the object-oriented programming (OOP) paradigms used in the previous minibook. Because many people are only now becoming aware of functional programming techniques, this chapter discusses how the functional and OOP paradigms differ.

The chapter also looks at some of the ways in which you change your programming style to use the functional programming paradigm. These style changes have some significant benefits when applied to certain kinds of development that rely heavily on math, perform various kinds of analysis, or work with technologies such as machine learning. You may not know it, but C++ is recommended ...