Is Python a functional programming language?

[Stefan Behnel]

Samuel Williams, 10.05.2010 14:24:
> Is Python a functional programming language?

No. Python is a multi-paradigm language. But it does have functions (and 
methods) as first-class objects.


> Is this a paradigm that is well supported by both the language syntax
> and the general programming APIs?

I'd say so, but it certainly depends on what functional language features 
you desire.


> I heard that lambdas were limited to a single expression

... which is a good thing. An expression in Python can do pretty complex 
things already. Not allowing more puts a limit to code readability degradation.


> and that other
> functional features were slated for removal in Python 3... is this the
> case or have I been misinformed?

No such functionality has been removed in Py3, and in fact, several core 
language features were adapted to make functional programming easier and 
more efficient.


> Finally, even if Python supports functional features, is this a model
> that is used often in client/application code?

 From my point of view, yes. But the beauty is that Python is 
multi-paradigm, so you're not restricted to functional language features.

Stefan