lambdaslike

Lambdaslike is a descriptor in programming and theory of computation used to denote constructs that resemble lambda expressions. It evokes lambda calculus where a lambda abstraction defines an anonymous function. In modern languages, lambdaslike features are inline, anonymous function definitions that can be assigned to variables, passed as arguments, or returned from other functions. They often involve first-class functions and, in many cases, closures that capture variables from enclosing scopes. The emphasis is on conciseness and functional parity rather than formal naming.

Lambdaslike constructs appear across languages with varying syntax. Examples include anonymous functions, function literals, and arrow functions. They allow higher-order programming, currying, and partial application. In some contexts, a code fragment described as lambdaslike might be syntactically distinct yet functionally equivalent to a standard named function.

Ambiguity: The term is informal and context-dependent. Some authors use it to describe languages with a particularly lambda-like syntax, while others apply it to any function literal that can be used as a value. The concept is commonly discussed in relation to functional programming, type systems, and API design where inline behavior is useful.

See also: lambda calculus, anonymous function, lambda expression, closures, higher-order function, functional programming.