Lambda-C 11-Part1
Lambda-C 11-Part1
A lambda function in C++11 is an anonymous function that can be defined inline within a code
block. It provides a way to create and use small, one-time, and throwaway functions without the
need for explicitly defining a separate named function. Lambdas are often used as arguments to
higher-order functions or for concise code snippets. They capture variables from their
surrounding scope and can be invoked and executed like regular functions.
```
[capture-list](parameters) mutable(optional) exception-specifier(optional) -> return-type(optional)
{
// Lambda function body
}
```
- **Capture-list**: It specifies which variables from the surrounding scope should be captured
by the lambda function. It can be empty (`[]`), capture specific variables by value (`[var1, var2]`),
capture all local variables by value (`[=]`), capture all local variables by reference (`[&]`), or
capture specific variables by reference (`[&var1, &var2]`).
- **Parameters**: It represents the list of parameters that the lambda function accepts. These
parameters are similar to regular function parameters and can have types, names, and default
values.
- **Mutable (optional)**: If specified, it allows the lambda function to modify the captured
variables by value.
- **Return-type (optional)**: It defines the return type of the lambda function. If not specified,
the return type is deduced automatically based on the return statements within the lambda body.
3. What is the syntax for capturing variables in a lambda function?
In C++11, variables can be captured in a lambda function using the capture list, which is
specified at the beginning of the lambda function definition. The capture list has the following
syntax:
```
[capture-list]
```
- Capture by value: To capture variables by value, you can specify them in the capture list
using their names or using the general capture `[=]` syntax to capture all variables by value. For
example, `[x]` captures variable `x` by value, and `[=]` captures all variables by value.
- Capture by reference: To capture variables by reference, you can specify them in the capture
list using the ampersand `&` followed by their names or using the general capture `[&]` syntax to
capture all variables by reference. For example, `[&y]` captures variable `y` by reference, and
`[&]` captures all variables by reference.
- Mixed capture: You can also mix capture by value and capture by reference in the same
capture list. For example, `[x, &y]` captures variable `x` by value and variable `y` by reference.
- Omitted capture: If you don't need to capture any variables from the surrounding scope, you
can use an empty capture list `[]`.
Note that variables captured by value are copied into the lambda function, while variables
captured by reference are accessed directly.
When capturing variables in a lambda function, you have the option to capture them either by
value or by reference. Here's an explanation of these two concepts:
1. **Capture by value**: When you capture variables by value, a copy of the variable's value is
made and stored within the lambda function. Any changes made to the captured variable inside
the lambda function will not affect the original variable in the surrounding scope. Capturing by
value is denoted by `[var]` or `[=]` in the capture list, where `var` represents the variable to be
captured.
Example:
```cpp
int x = 5;
auto lambda = [x]() {
// x is captured by value
// Any changes to x will not affect the original variable in the surrounding scope
// ...
};
```
2. **Capture by reference**: When you capture variables by reference, the lambda function
holds a reference to the original variable in the surrounding scope. Any changes made to the
captured variable inside the lambda function will directly affect the original variable. Capturing by
reference is denoted by `[&var]` or `[&]` in the capture list, where `var` represents the variable to
be captured.
Example:
```cpp
int y = 10;
auto lambda = [&y]() {
// y is captured by reference
// Any changes to y will affect the original variable in the surrounding scope
// ...
};
```
It's important to be cautious when capturing variables by reference because if the lambda
function outlives the lifetime of the captured variable, accessing the captured reference will lead
to undefined behavior.
In C++11, the `mutable` keyword is used in a lambda function to indicate that the lambda
function can modify variables captured by value. By default, variables captured by value are
considered `const` within the lambda function, meaning that any attempt to modify them would
result in a compilation error.
However, when the `mutable` keyword is specified in the lambda function definition, it allows
the lambda function to modify the captured variables. This is particularly useful when you want
to modify variables within the lambda function without affecting the original variables in the
surrounding scope.
Here's an example that demonstrates the use of `mutable`:
```cpp
int x = 5;
auto lambda = [x]() mutable {
// x is captured by value and is considered const by default
// Adding the mutable keyword allows modifying x within the lambda function
x += 10;
// ...
};
```
In this example, `x` is captured by value and considered `const` by default. However, with the
`mutable` keyword, the lambda function is allowed to modify the captured `x` by incrementing its
value by 10. The changes made to `x` inside the lambda function do not affect the original
variable `x` in the surrounding scope.
To invoke a lambda function in C++11, you can treat it like a regular function and use the
function call operator `()` along with the necessary arguments. Here's an example:
```cpp
// Lambda function that takes two integers and returns their sum
auto lambda = [](int a, int b) {
return a + b;
};
In this example, the lambda function takes two integer parameters and returns their sum. To
invoke the lambda function, you simply use the function call operator `()` and provide the
required arguments (`3` and `4` in this case). The result of the lambda function invocation is
stored in the variable `result`.
Note that you can also invoke a lambda function without storing it in a variable, by directly
calling it at the point of its definition:
```cpp
int result = [](int a, int b) {
return a + b;
}(3, 4);
```
In this case, the lambda function is defined and immediately invoked with the provided
arguments (`3` and `4`), and the result is assigned to the variable `result`.
7. Can a lambda function have a return type? If yes, how do you specify it?
Yes, a lambda function can have a return type in C++11. You can specify the return type using
the trailing return type syntax. Here's how you can specify the return type of a lambda function:
```cpp
// Lambda function with explicit return type
auto lambda = [](int a, int b) -> int {
return a + b;
};
```
In this example, the lambda function takes two integer parameters and returns their sum as an
integer. The return type is specified after the parameter list using the `->` arrow syntax, followed
by the desired return type (`int` in this case).
It's important to note that in most cases, the return type of a lambda function can be deduced
automatically by the compiler based on the return statements within the lambda body. Explicitly
specifying the return type is necessary only when the return type cannot be deduced
unambiguously by the compiler, or when you want to enforce a specific return type.
In C++11, the type inference for lambda functions is based on the context in which the lambda
function is used and the form of the lambda function itself. Here's how type inference works with
lambda functions in C++11:
1. **Parameter types**: The compiler can infer the types of the lambda parameters based on the
types of the arguments passed to the lambda function when it is invoked or assigned to a
variable. The compiler examines the context in which the lambda function is used to deduce the
parameter types.
Example:
```cpp
auto lambda = [](int a, float b) {
// Lambda function body
};
// Parameter types are deduced based on the argument types when invoking the lambda
lambda(10, 3.14f);
```
In this example, the lambda function is invoked with integer and float arguments. The compiler
deduces that the lambda function has parameters of type `int` and `float` based on the
argument types provided.
2. **Return type**: In C++11, the return type of a lambda function cannot be automatically
deduced by the compiler. The return type needs to be explicitly specified using the trailing return
type syntax.
Example:
```cpp
auto lambda = [](int a, int b) -> int {
// Lambda function body
return a + b;
};
```
In this example, the return type of the lambda function is explicitly specified as `int` using the
trailing return type syntax (`-> int`). The compiler does not infer the return type automatically,
and it needs to be specified explicitly.
It's important to note that while C++11 provides limited type inference capabilities for lambda
functions, later versions of C++ (C++14 and beyond) introduced more powerful type inference,
allowing the use of `auto` to automatically deduce both parameter types and the return type of a
lambda function in many cases.
Lambda functions in C++11 offer several advantages that make them a valuable feature in the
language. Here are some benefits of using lambda functions:
1. **Concise and readable code**: Lambda functions allow you to write compact and
self-contained code snippets directly inline, reducing the need for defining separate named
functions. This can enhance code readability, especially when the functionality is simple and
doesn't warrant a separate function.
2. **Closure and access to surrounding scope**: Lambda functions can capture variables
from their surrounding scope, providing access to external variables within the function body.
This makes it convenient to work with variables in the context where the lambda function is
defined.
4. **Avoiding code duplication**: Lambda functions help avoid code duplication by allowing
you to define small, specialized functions inline where they are needed. This eliminates the
need to write separate, repetitive function definitions for specific use cases.
5. **Improved code organization**: By defining functions inline using lambda functions, you
can better organize and structure your code by keeping related logic closer together. This can
improve code maintainability and make it easier to understand and modify.
6. **Local scoping**: Lambda functions have their own local scope, allowing you to declare
and use variables that are specific to the lambda function without polluting the surrounding
scope. This can help reduce naming conflicts and make the code more modular.
7. **Code reusability**: While lambda functions are often used as one-time, throwaway
functions, they can also be stored in variables or passed around, making them reusable in
different parts of the codebase. This promotes code modularity and reusability.
Overall, lambda functions in C++11 provide a powerful tool for concise and flexible coding,
enabling the creation of compact and specialized functions within the scope where they are
needed.
10. Can you provide an example of using a lambda function in C++11 to sort a vector of
integers?
Certainly! Here's an example that demonstrates the usage of a lambda function in C++11 to sort
a vector of integers:
```cpp
#include <iostream>
#include <vector>
#include <algorithm>
int main() {
std::vector<int> numbers = {5, 2, 8, 1, 9, 3};
return 0;
}
```
In this example, the `std::sort` algorithm is used to sort a vector of integers (`numbers`). The
lambda function is passed as the third argument to `std::sort`, which determines the sorting
order. The lambda function compares two integers (`a` and `b`) and returns `true` if `a` is less
than `b`, indicating that `a` should appear before `b` in the sorted sequence.
The output of this code will be: `1 2 3 5 8 9`, showing the sorted vector in ascending order.
Please note that these questions are focused specifically on C++11 and lambda functions.