What is Currying?
Currying is the process of transforming a function that takes multiple arguments into a sequence of functions that each take a single argument. In other words, it converts a function of n arguments into a chain of n functions, each taking one argument. This allows for partial application, as well as easier function composition and reusability.
Understanding currying practically
The below practical implementation uses the add() that takes a parameter x function that returns another function that accepts another parameter y which returns the product of the numbers x and y inside the curried function.
function add(x) {
return function (y) {
return x * y;
};
}
const product = add(5)(3);
console.log(product);
Output
15
Applications and features of currying
- Partial application: Currying allows for partial application of functions, which means providing a function with fewer arguments than it expects and getting back a new function that accepts the remaining arguments.
- Function composition: Currying facilitates function composition by breaking down complex functions into smaller, composable units.
- Reusability: Currying promotes code reusability by creating modular functions that can be easily reused in different contexts.
Currying vs Partial Application in JavaScript
Currying and partial application are both techniques used in functional programming languages to manipulate functions. They both involve breaking down functions with multiple arguments into functions that take fewer arguments. However, they have subtle differences in their implementation and applications.
Table of Content
- What is Currying?
- What is Partial Application?
- Difference between currying and partial application
- Conclusion