If you are a trader who uses Python for coding the trade positions, lambda is the function you would want to explore. Lambda helps you use a function only once, and hence, avoids cluttering up the code with function definitions.
In short, Python’s lambda keyword lets you define a function in a single line of code and use it immediately.
Let us find out more about the interesting lambda function further with this blog that covers:
- What is the lambda function in Python?
- Why is it called the lambda function?
- Lambda arguments and syntax
- Difference between the conventional function and lambda function
- When to use the lambda function?
- How does the lambda function work?
- Python lambda in trading
- Benefits of lambda function in trading
What is the lambda function in Python?
Coming to our main topic first, let us discuss the short and anonymous (without a name) lambda function.
A lambda function also called an anonymous or inline function, is a single line of Python code that evaluates an expression. Also, a lambda function can accept any number of parameters and always returns a value.
Why is it called the lambda function?
In Python, lambda is an anonymous function and hence, is defined without a name. While normal functions are defined using the “def” keyword in Python, the anonymous functions are defined using the “lambda” keyword.
Lambda arguments and syntax
Let us see the lambda syntax below.
lambda num: num * num * num
The above syntax, when inserted with real values, returns the cube of a given number. The lambda function lacks a name, which is why you might see it called an anonymous function.
Difference between the conventional function and lambda function
Lambda is used to construct a python function; it is an in-line function, unlike the conventional def function which allows constructing in blocks. Let’s compare the syntax of the conventional function construct with the lambda function syntax to make things clear.
One can have any number of statements in the conventional def function, and it starts by giving a name to the function. On the other hand, lambda is an anonymous function. You need not provide any name to the lambda construct.
Let us take simple examples to illustrate their usage.
The lambda construct is more used for its convenience rather than the range of operations that can be performed using lambda. Remember the following points when you need to construct a lambda function.
- Lambda is an expression and not a statement. It does not support a block of expressions.
- Lambda is defined at the point where we need to use it and need not be named
- Lambda does not require a return statement. It always returns something after evaluation.
When to use the lambda function?
Well, the best part about using the lambda function is that it can be used in place of any regular function that evaluates a single expression and returns a value.
But, if you want your function to change a global variable, read from a file, or evaluate more than one expression, it will not work as a lambda function. In Python programming, however, the lambda function is ease for most cases.
How does the lambda function work?
Using Lambda with Map, Filter, and Reduce functions
Map function
Lambda functions are usually used in conjunction with the functions like map(), filter(), and reduce(). Let us illustrate their usage.
The map function is used to pass a function to each item in an iterable object. The map function returns a list containing all the results without modifying the original object.
Example:
score = [
(10, 5),
(20, 2),
(30, 4),
(40, 7)
]
result = map(lambda x: x[0] / x[1], score)
for item in result:
print(f"Lambda returned the answer: {item}")
In the code above, we defined a list of tuples named score. The map function was, then, called with the lambda function as the first argument and the list as the second argument.
Lambda function was written in the code to expect a tuple as an argument. It returns the value stored in element 0 of the tuple divided by the value stored in element 1.
After map runs, we’ll store the results in the variable result. Then, iterate through the list of results and print them. The results of division are expected to be 10 in every case.
Filter function
The filter function is used to extract each element in the iterable object for which the function returns True. In this case, we will define the function using the lambda construct and apply the filter function.
Let’s look at how we can use filter to find even-numbered list items. To do so, we’ll need to write a lambda function that’s true only when the number we pass to it satisfies our conditions.
Example:
data = [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10]
result = filter(lambda x: x % 2 == 0, data)
print(f"Lambda returned the answer: {list(result)}")
In the above code, each list item is divided by two and the remainder is checked. If the remainder is zero, we know the number is even.
Reduce function
The reduce function is a unique function which reduces the input list to a single value by calling the function provided as part of the argument. The reduce function by default starts from the first value of the list and passes the current output along to the next item from the list.
Example:
from functools import reduce
score = [20, 30, 40, 50]
result = reduce(lambda x, y: x + y, score)
print(f"Lambda returned the answer: {result}")
In the above example, we added the list items together in the lambda expression. Reduce starts with an empty accumulator and adds the first item. It then sets the accumulator to the result of the first operation and repeats.
These were some of the ways in which we can use the lambda construct.
Python lambda in trading
With Python’s lambda function, we can write several codes for different trade related inputs. Let us see the examples for trading below.
Benefits of lambda function in trading
There are quite a few benefits of using lambda function, even for trading. Let us see those benefits below.
Continuous scaling
Lambda precisely manages the scaling of your functions (or application) by running codes parallelly for different trading inputs, and processes each input individually.
Helps in time management
Lambda frees up your programming resources by taking over the time consumed by defining several functions. With lambda, you do not need to define every function and hence, you can save lot of time.
Modernises your trading business
Lambda enables you to use functions with pre-trained machine learning models to include artificial intelligence in your trade easily. A single application programming interface (API) request can classify images, analyze videos, convert speech to text, perform natural language processing, and more.
Conclusion
Lambda function is a useful function for traders who code with the help of Python. Once known by the programmer, it is the preferred function since it helps manage time, is quick while coding and has advanced operations.
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Note: The original post has been revamped on 5th September 2022 for accuracy, and recentness.
Disclaimer: All investments and trading in the stock market involve risk. Any decision to place trades in the financial markets, including trading in stock or options or other financial instruments is a personal decision that should only be made after thorough research, including a personal risk and financial assessment and the engagement of professional assistance to the extent you believe necessary. The trading strategies or related information mentioned in this article is for informational purposes only.
