3.9. FuncProg Referential Transparency

  • Value of a variable in a functional program never changes once defined

  • This eliminates any chances of side effects

  • Any variable can be replaced with its actual value at any point of execution 1

Bad:

>>> a = 1
>>> a += 2

Good:

>>> a = 1
>>> b = a + 2

3.9.1. Use Case - 0x01

>>> def add(a,b):
...     return a + b
>>>
>>>
>>> x = 1
>>> y = 2
>>>
>>> add(x,y)
3
>>> add(1,y)
3
>>> add(x,2)
3
>>> add(1,2)
3

3.9.2. References

1

Hughes, John. "Why Functional Programming Matters". Chalmers University of Technology. 1984.